PoLoPo, a molecular farming start-up based in Israel, has increased its lab capacity to produce hundreds of grams of functional proteins per month for food industry partners.

The food-tech company has leveraged new, larger-scale lab equipment to achieve its latest milestone following its first successful outdoor field cultivation of protein-packed potatoes.

PoLoPo uses proprietary metabolic engineering techniques to turn potato plants into micro-biofactories that can produce animal-free variants of different proteins, with an initial focus on egg protein (ovalbumin).

The potato plants manufacture and store target proteins in the tubers, which are then harvested when they reach sufficient size. The proteins are extracted and dried into a functional powder that can integrate seamlessly into current food processing lines and formulations.

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PoLoPo’s field cultivation trial yielded approximately five tons – two more tons than originally expected – of potatoes boasting high protein concentrations. While derived from genetically engineered plants, the resulting protein powders contain no genetic material, therefore can be considered non-GMO.

Maya Sapir-Mir, PoLoPo’s CEO, said: “Our first cultivation achieves something no other molecular farming company has done before, and makes PoLoPo the first to grow and scale such a crop successfully. In addition, with our increased lab capacity, we can fulfill more requests from potential partners, supply larger quantities of samples, and we’re better able to assist them as they start working with our ingredients.”

The start-up’s first large batch of samples is earmarked for CSM Ingredients, a global specialist in food ingredient research, innovation and production. CSM is working with PoLoPo to harness the protein powders for baking requirements.

PoLoPo said it will continue replanting throughout the spring as a second growth cycle, to ensure protein supply throughout the year and validate the growth conditions of different seasons.