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Microbial foods for improving human and planetary health
Leonie J Jahn1, Vayu M Rekdal2, Morten O A Sommer1
1Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, DTU Biosustain, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
Cell
|January 19, 2023
Summary
Microorganisms can create healthy, sustainable foods with minimal environmental impact. Future innovations in microbial food production promise to enhance the global food system's sustainability and health benefits.
Area of Science:
- Food Science
- Microbiology
- Sustainable Agriculture
Background:
- Current food production poses significant risks to planetary and human health.
- Urgent need for a transition towards sustainable and equitable food systems.
- Microorganisms offer a promising avenue for developing healthier, environmentally friendly food alternatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review traditional and contemporary methods of microbial food production.
- To explore the potential of scientific advancements in enabling a new generation of microbial foods.
- To assess the impact of microbial foods on food system sustainability, resilience, and health.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on fermented foods, microbial biomass, and fermentation-derived ingredients.
- Analysis of emerging technologies including science-driven fermentation and synthetic biology.
- Discussion of sustainable feedstock utilization for microbial food production.
Main Results:
- Microbial foods, including fermented products and ingredients, offer a viable alternative to conventional food sources.
- Advances in fermentation and synthetic biology are expanding the possibilities for microbial food development.
- These innovations have the potential to significantly reduce the environmental footprint of food production.
Conclusions:
- Microorganisms are key enablers for a sustainable and fair food future.
- Future microbial foods can enhance the sustainability, resilience, and health outcomes of the global food system.
- Continued research and development in microbial food technologies are crucial for addressing global food challenges.
Keywords:
cell factoriesfermented foodfood systemmicrobial biomassmicrobial foodsmicrobiome healthsingle cellproteinsustainable food productionsynthetic biologyMore Related Videos
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