From sustainable feedstocks to microbial foods

Nat Microbiol. 2024 May;9(5):1167-1175. doi: 10.1038/s41564-024-01671-4. Epub 2024 Apr 9.

Abstract

Climate change-induced alterations in weather patterns, such as frequent and severe heatwaves, cold waves, droughts, floods, heavy rain and storms, are reducing crop yields and agricultural productivity. At the same time, greenhouse gases arising from food production and supply account for almost 30% of anthropogenic emissions. This vicious circle is producing a global food crisis. Sustainable food resources and production systems are needed now, and microbial foods are one possible solution. In this Perspective, we highlight the most promising technologies, and carbon and energy sources, for microbial food production.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Agriculture / methods
  • Carbon / metabolism
  • Climate Change*
  • Crops, Agricultural / growth & development
  • Crops, Agricultural / microbiology
  • Food Microbiology
  • Food Supply

Substances

  • Carbon