An Electro-Microbial Process to Uncouple Food Production from Photosynthesis for Application in Space Exploration

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Food Science
• Astrobiology

Background:

• Traditional agriculture relies on photosynthesis, posing challenges for space missions and climatically stressed regions.
• Current food production methods are resource-intensive and time-consuming.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and explore an electro-microbial route for food production independent of photosynthesis.
• To enable on-demand, high-yield food synthesis for space exploration and terrestrial applications.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing electrical energy for carbon dioxide fixation into ethanol via chemical catalysis or microbial pathways.
• Employing an optimized strain of *Saccharomyces cerevisiae* (yeast) to synthesize single-cell protein from ethanol.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated potential for producing yeast-based protein and essential nutrients using ethanol, urea, phosphate, and inorganic salts.
• Highlighted the feasibility of generating significant food quantities on demand with high yields and productivities.

Conclusions:

• The electro-microbial route offers a viable alternative to photosynthetic food production, suitable for space and challenging terrestrial environments.
• This technology has potential terrestrial applications, including food production in deserts and utilizing surplus renewable energy.