About

A novel, eco-friendly protein extraction process utilizing agricultural waste biomass for cost-effective, high-quality alternative protein production.

Challenge

The global plant-based protein market is projected to reach USD 17.4 billion by 2027, with a CAGR of 7.3% between 2022 and 2027. However, current protein extraction methods are resource-intensive, requiring extensive transportation of biomass, water usage, and energy consumption.

Our Innovation

The researchers are developing a novel, eco-friendly process for extraction of protein from green plant tissue that significantly reduces operational costs. This process offers several advantages over existing methods:

  • Mobile extraction systems eliminate the need for extensive biomass transportation, reducing fossil fuel consumption and air pollution.
  • Minimal water usage and elimination of wastewater treatment requirements through the recycling of process water for irrigation.
  • Extraction of quality protein from green biomass that is colorless, tasteless, highly digestible, non-allergenic, and with high amino acid score.

By addressing the challenges faced by current protein extraction methods, our technology has the potential to revolutionize the alternative protein industry, enabling the production of high-quality protein at a lower cost and with a reduced environmental footprint. This could lead to increased adoption of plant-based proteins across various applications, including egg substitutes, milk alternatives, and plant-based meat and fish alternatives, among others.

Technology

Our protein extraction process utilizes in-field continuous process.  The system operates on a small footprint onsite, processing thousands of tons of biomass per batch. The water from the extraction process, supplemented with minerals and organic matter reside in the field and utilized as a fertilizer on site.

Opportunity

The researchers are looking for an industry partner to collaborate and sponsor additional research. The partner will receive an option to license the intellectual property at the end of the R&D.