COLLABORATION BETWEEN MOLECULAR FARMING START-UP AND GLOBAL INGREDIENTS TEC COMPANY WILL FOCUS ON DEVELOPMENT OF NEW PROTEIN POWDER
EGG protein grown in potatoes could pave the way for a new era in baking applications.
Molecular farming startup PoLoPo is working with global ingredients tech company CSM to develop egg protein powder for baking applications.
Founded in 2022 by scientists with a deep understanding of plant genetics and protein expression, PoLoPo uses proprietary metabolic engineering techniques to turn potato plants into micro-biofactories.
Potato plants manufacture and store the target proteins in the tuber. Tubers are harvested when they reach sufficient size. Their proteins are then extracted and dried into a functional protein powder that integrates into current food processing lines and formulations.
Commercial baking and other CPG food categories use ovalbumin extensively for its functional properties such as texture, thickening, and increasing shelf life—ovalbumin from molecular farming offers the same performance in an ingredient that is cleaner, more sustainable, more affordable, and more price-stable. Popular applications for ovalbumin include pastries like croissants, muffins, and donuts.
CSM and PoLoPo will now collaborate on developing PoLoPo’s ovalbumin powder for baking requirements, including foaming, gelation and water-binding functions, as well as provide side-by-side assistance with process optimisation, regulatory, and safety requirements.
Their joint goal is to supply a price-stable product that is cheaper, cleaner, and more sustainable than egg protein derived from chickens.
CSM Ingredients group Managing Director Christian Sobolta said: “Startups like PoLoPo are visionary innovators that play a pivotal role in developing concepts and pushing boundaries, and CSM is committed to bring these innovations to the broader food value chain. The global market for ovalbumin powder is projected to reach $36 billion by 2032, and PoLoPo presents an opportunity to change the dynamics of this category in a way that benefits planet and profits.”
PoLoPo CEO, Maya Sapir-Mir said the collaboration will open more doors for PoLoPo to work with more packaged food companies. “Commercial baking is clearly a key lane for us, and CSM’s technical and commercial expertise is strategically valuable for reaching that industry.”
PoLoPo has submitted for USDA regulatory approval, expected within six months, at which point US partners and growers may begin cultivating PoLoPo’s potato plants.
The company has won multiple innovation awards and has raised $2.3 million from leading food-tech investors including FoodLabs, Milk & Honey Ventures, CPT Capital, Siddhi Capital, Plug and Play, and Hack Capital.
