Sustainable protein ingredients from bacterial single-cell protein for beverages
Circe Biotechnologie offers innovative bacterial single-cell protein (SCP) derived from biogas for sustainable protein ingredients in beverages. This reduces carbon footprint and resource use. SCP is EU-approved for feed and can be adapted for functional drinks.
Overview
Circe Biotechnologie has developed a groundbreaking approach to producing sustainable protein ingredients using bacterial single-cell protein (SCP) through a gas fermentation process. By utilizing biogas as the sole carbon and energy source, this method significantly reduces the carbon, land use, and energy footprint associated with traditional protein production. The SCP, derived from the strain methylococcus capsulatus (Bath), is approved for use as a feed ingredient under EU regulations, and ongoing developments aim to extract proteins for use in food and functional beverages.
Technical specifications
The core technology leverages the fermentation of methane (CH4) to cultivate bacterial SCP. The process has been successfully scaled from 1 to 150 liters, showcasing its potential for larger-scale production. The SCP can be hydrolyzed to produce various functional peptides tailored for inclusion in beverages, enhancing their nutritional value and functionality. The focus on biogas as a feedstock emphasizes sustainability, as it minimizes resource consumption and environmental impact.
Technology readiness level
The technology is currently at TRL 5, indicating that it has been validated in relevant environments but requires further testing and validation for full commercial deployment. Circe Biotechnologie is actively seeking partnerships to advance this technology, including contract research, joint projects, licensing, and purchasing agreements.
About Circe Biotechnologie GmbH
Circe Biotechnologie GmbH is an Austrian biotechnology company specializing in gas fermentation technology to produce single-cell protein. By moving away from traditional, sugar-based platforms to a C1 fermentation process, the company enables the conversion of waste biomass streams into sustainable protein products. Their interdisciplinary team manages a portfolio of bioreactors, including research-scale setups in Seestadt, Austria, and a 5,000L loop fermenter in Teesside, UK, used for scale-up activities and customer sample production. This approach focuses on circular bioeconomy principles and aims to provide scalable, climate-resilient solutions without relying on primary agricultural crops.
The company's technology is designed to address the environmental challenges of food production by decoupling protein manufacturing from land and traditional farming resources. Through ongoing international R&D projects and academic partnerships with institutions like the Technische Universität Wien, Circe works to refine its strains and bioprocess efficiency. By engaging in early-stage planning for industrial-scale facilities, the firm supports partners and customers in accessing sustainable, high-yield protein alternatives, thereby promoting scientific knowledge sharing and industrial sustainability in the protein sector.
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