‘Revolutionary technology’: US start-up creates ‘meat’ from air

US start-up Air Protein claims to have developed a technology that can create “meat” from air.

The process to make the new form of protein uses elements found in the air and is combined with water and mineral nutrients.

It uses renewable energy and a probiotic production process to convert the elements into a nutrient-rich protein that Air Protein says has “the same amino acid profile as an animal protein”.

The California-based company added that its “revolutionary technology” allows for protein to be made “in a matter of days instead of months, and independently of weather conditions or seasons”.

“The statistics are clear. Our current resources are under extreme strain as evidenced by the burning Amazon due to deforestation and steadily increasing droughts. We need to produce more food with a reduced dependency on land and water resources. Air-based meat addresses these resource issues and more,” said Air Protein CEO, Dr Lisa Dyson.

The protein found in the air-based “meat” is made without pesticides, herbicides, hormones or antibiotics.

“The world is embracing plant-based meat and we believe air-based meat is the next evolution of the sustainably produced food movement that will serve as one of the solutions to feeding a growing population without putting a strain on natural resources.”

Air Protein leverages carbon transformation technology developed by Kiverdi, which was inspired by Nasa’s concepts for long-journey space missions.

The protein found in air-based meat is produced using natural processes, and made free from pesticides, herbicides, hormones or antibiotics.

According to Air Protein, its new protein source will be able to make meatless burgers, protein-enriched pasta, cereals and beverages.