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Moolec Science develops technology that grows pork protein in soybeans

June 28, 2023 - from the Food Matters Live:

"Molecular farming food ingredient company Moolec Science has successfully developed a technology which can grow pork protein in soybeans.

"Using its new technology called ‘Piggy Sooy’, Moolec’s team was able to grow up to 26.6% of total soluble porcine protein in soy seeds, which is four times more than the company had initially projected. As a result, the soybeans have a visible pink hue that matches the colour of real pork meat.

"Moolec says the recent achievement proves plants have the potential to operate as ‘animal protein factories’.

"Following the success of Piggy Sooy, the company plans to file a new patent for its molecular farming-based technology, which should help to make the regulatory pathway more straightforward in the future.

"Founded in 2020, Moolec Science has been working for several years to develop meat proteins in plants, which can be used to improve the taste, texture, appearance, and nutritional profile of meat alternatives. In addition to soybean, it is figuring out ways to grow animal protein in safflower and pea. It says the enhanced functionality of plants means they could potentially be used for applications in the traditional meat processing industry."