Researchers at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) have created a sustainable process to produce the essential amino acid L-alanine from CO2 using artificial photosynthesis. This innovative method first converts CO2 into methanol with the help of renewable energy, such as green electricity and hydrogen, before transforming it into L-alanine through a multi-stage process utilizing synthetic enzymes. This approach requires significantly less land than traditional agricultural methods used for protein production, thus addressing the growing global food demands while reducing environmental impact.
Led by Prof. Volker Sieber, this research tackles two pressing issues: the need for more sustainable protein sources for the animal feed industry and the associated ecological concerns tied to large-scale agricultural practices that threaten biodiversity. The efficiency of this process not only supports the use of fewer acres for the same protein yield but also emphasizes the potential of integrating bioeconomy and hydrogen economy principles. The researchers aim to expand this method to synthesize additional amino acids from CO2, highlighting the promise of advanced biotechnological solutions in fostering sustainable food production. The study has been published in the journal “Chem Catalysis.”
