Novel protein sources, such as insects, algae, duckweed, and other alternative biomass-based ingredients are becoming increasingly important in the EU bioeconomy due to their sustainability, nutritional value, and improved functionalities. These sources are a good alternative to traditional animal-derived proteins with a significantly lower environmental footprint. Their integration into the food system supports the EU’s bioeconomy strategy by lowering the pressure of land-use and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This helps to move towards a more circular and efficient use of resources.

CHEERS project: advancing zero-waste biorefineries through novel protein development from non-plant biomass

With this in mind, the partners of the CHEERS project are looking ahead to 2025 by encouraging the development of bio-based proteins from novel sources based on non-plant biomass, thereby contributing to define a zero-waste biorefinery approach and strengthen the position of the EU bioeconomy worldwide. In that context, the development of proteins from both insect and microbial platforms within the framework of the CHEERS project is very important to reach its main goals. Currently, AINIA is working in close collaboration with SYSPRO, PROTEINSECTA, THUNDERFOODS and Mahou-San Miguel in the adjustment and optimisation of the quality and properties of the protein-based products derived from the process.

CHEERS partners collaborate on novel protein production from circular biomass sources

PROTEINSECTA is currently producing large amounts of larvae, which are fed with optimised diets based on beer by-products. Once they reach maturity, the larvae will be processed and sent to AINIA for stabilisation through blanching, followed by dehydration. After this, the Portuguese partner THUNDERFOODS will then defat the dried material, after which AINIA will subsequently proceed to functionalise it and perform the final steps to obtain a protein-rich product.

Regarding the microbial-based protein, AINIA is currently processing single-cell proteins SCP at lab scale for characterising them. This type of protein consists of protein-rich components of microorganisms in pure or mixture form that are grown for animal or human consumption. Specifically, AINIA is producing, centrifuging, and drying the biomass for further evaluation of the SCP powder digestibility. Similarly, digestion protocols simulating gastrointestinal conditions relevant to the target species will be carried out by AINIA, considering key physiological parameters to assess protein digestibility.