4(g) Mycoprotein - another application of biotechnology using fungi

Modern biotechnology techniques can be used to culture and make large quantities of useful microorganisms to produce food.

Mycoprotein is manufactured in huge vats (stainless steel tank fermenters) under very controlled conditions e.g pH, temperature, type of microorganism and nutrient substrates.

Mycoprotein is the ingredient common to all Quorn™ 'artificial meat-free' protein products.

It is a high protein meat substitute for meals acceptable in the diet of vegetarians.

It is high in protein, high in fibre, low in saturated fat and contains no cholesterol, and therefore quite a nutritious component of any diet.

Mycoprotein is made in fermenters (large vats) similar to those found in a brewery - typical design of mycoprotein fermenter is shown in right-hand labelled diagram.

It's made by continuously adding oxygen, nitrogen (from ammonia/nitrate), carbohydrate (e.g. glucose syrup) and essential minerals to a fungus called Fusarium venenatum, which is grown in aerobic conditions.

Nutrients, minerals, fungus and sterile air are fed into the fermenter. The fungus needs oxygen for aerobic respiration. The amino acids and protein are synthesised from glucose syrup and ammonia.

The pH (~6) and temperature (~40^oC) are carefully monitored and controlled. A cooling water jacket is needed to remove excess heat - thermostat control.

The stirring paddles ensure the suspended fungus, glucose syrup, ammonia, minerals, oxygen and heat are all continuously evenly distributed throughout the fermenter vat.

The fungus rapidly grows producing the protein which is 'harvested', purified and converted into a safe edible mycoprotein food product.

The Fusarium fungus can double in mass in as little as 5 hours - compare this with how long it takes for grain or cattle to grow.

It is estimated the carbon footprint of mycoprotein is 4x less than that of producing chicken.

Mycoprotein is almost tasteless so a range of textures and flavourings can be added to make it palatable for the human diet.

Mycoprotein seem to have several advantages and no disadvantages except it is tasteless!?