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06:24
Generic Protocol for Optimization of Heterologous Protein Production Using Automated Microbioreactor Technology
Published on: December 15, 2017
Navigating adoption barriers for microbial proteins in future food.
Rima Gnaim1,2,3,4, Hakimi Kassim1,2,3,4,5, Lisa Neidhardt1,2,3,4
1Imperial College Centre for Engineering Biology, Imperial College London, London, UK.
Nature Communications
|June 10, 2026
Summary
Microbial biomass fermentation offers sustainable protein but faces adoption challenges. A three-phase framework (novelty, trust-building, normalization) addresses techno-economic, regulatory, and infrastructural barriers for mainstream food integration.
Area of Science:
- Food Science
- Biotechnology
- Sustainable Agriculture
Background:
- Microbial biomass fermentation presents a sustainable protein source with minimal environmental impact.
- Transitioning microbial proteins from niche products to mainstream food requires overcoming significant adoption hurdles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a novel three-phase adoption framework for microbial proteins.
- To organize and analyze techno-economic, regulatory, and infrastructural barriers to widespread adoption.
- To identify enablers for integrating microbial proteins into resilient food systems.
Main Methods:
- Development of a three-phase adoption framework: novelty barrier, early trust-building, and mainstream normalization.
- Analysis of historical trends in single-cell protein adoption.
- Mapping of engineering and policy enablers across different adoption phases.
Main Results:
- The proposed framework integrates diverse barriers into a coherent adoption trajectory.
- Historical analysis reveals patterns of rise, decline, and resurgence for single-cell proteins.
- Identification of specific engineering and policy levers crucial for each adoption phase.
Conclusions:
- A structured, phased approach is essential for overcoming barriers to microbial protein adoption.
- Strategic interventions in technology, policy, and infrastructure can facilitate the integration of microbial proteins into global food systems.
- Microbial proteins have the potential to significantly contribute to future food security and sustainability.
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