Food without photosynthesis

A source of protein created by bacteria from carbon dioxide, water and renewable energy is more efficient than photosynthesis used by plants


Chemical structure of food: Carbon, nitrogen and sulphur make up bulk of nutrients, but must first be made digestible by another organism – plant, animal or single-celled life form – which humans can then eat


Oxygen atom
Carbon atom 
Oxygen atom 
Carbon dioxide CO2

Molecular nitrogen N2

Oxygen atoms
Sulphur atom

Sulphate ions SO42–

Agriculture: Photosynthesis-dependent food production converts CO2 to edible biomass

Livestock: Convert indigestible cellulose – plant materials like grass and leaves – into food

Chemosynthesis: Analogous to photosynthesis, but relies on chemical energy instead of sunlight to power CO2 fixation

Bioreactor: Hydrogen gas – generated by electrolysis of water – CO2 and trace elements are bubbled through liquid containing hydrogen- oxidizing bacteria

Water
H2O 
H2
O2

Bacteria: Eat nutrients and multiply, thickening liquid. 
Liquid is dried to create powder that is 50% protein, 20-25% carbohydrates and 5-10% fats


Sources: Solar Foods, Biomimicry Institute, World Economic Forum 
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