PoLoPo Achieves Breakthrough in High-protein Potato Cultivation
PoLoPo, a molecular farming pioneer, recently revealed that it has doubled its capacity to create samples for food sector partners by acquiring new, larger-scale lab equipment following its first successful outdoor field growing of protein-rich potatoes.
PoLoPo’s new equipment allows them to produce hundreds of grams of functional protein powders from transgenic potato plants each month. PoLoPo’s field growing trial produced around five tons—two tons more than expected—of potatoes with high protein contents. While derived from genetically altered plants, the protein powders produced contain no genetic material and are therefore non-GMO.
“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,” PoLoPo CEO Maya Sapir-Mir mentioned.
PoLoPo’s first major batch of samples is headed to CSM Ingredients, a global leader in food ingredient research, innovation, and production. CSM and PoLoPo are partnering to create PoLoPo’s protein powders for baking. PoLoPo was chosen in October for the Generate startup incubator, which is managed by CSM and HIFOOD, an Italian creator and producer of plant-based, clean-label, added-value ingredients.
PoLoPo will replant throughout the Spring as a second growth cycle to assure protein availability throughout the year and to validate growth conditions across seasons.
PoLoPo converts potato plants into micro-biofactories through patented metabolic engineering techniques. Potato plants produce and store target proteins in the tuber. Tubers are harvested when they reach a certain size, and their proteins are isolated and dried to provide a functional protein powder that can be readily integrated into current food processing lines and formulations.
