PoLoPo, a pioneer in molecular farming, has announced significant advancements in its quest to revolutionize plant-based protein production. The company recently completed a successful outdoor cultivation trial, yielding approximately five tons of protein-enriched potatoes—surpassing initial expectations by two tons. This achievement positions PoLoPo as the first company to grow and scale such a crop successfully.
In tandem with its cultivation success, PoLoPo has upgraded its laboratory infrastructure, enabling the production of hundreds of grams per month of functional protein powders derived from its genetically engineered potato plants. Notably, while these plants are genetically modified, the resulting protein powders contain no genetic material and are considered non-GMO.
“Our first cultivation achieves something no other molecular farming company has done before,” stated PoLoPo CEO Maya Sapir-Mir. “With our increased lab capacity, we can fulfill more requests from potential partners, supply larger quantities of samples, and better assist them as they start working with our ingredients.”
PoLoPo’s innovative approach utilizes proprietary metabolic engineering techniques to transform potato plants into micro-biofactories. These plants manufacture and store target proteins within their tubers. Upon reaching sufficient size, the tubers are harvested, and their proteins are extracted and dried into functional protein powders that integrate seamlessly into existing food processing lines and formulations.
The company’s first substantial batch of samples is designated for CSM Ingredients, a global leader in food ingredient research, innovation, and production. PoLoPo and CSM are collaborating to develop these protein powders for baking applications. In October, PoLoPo was selected for the Generate startup incubator, operated by CSM and HIFOOD, an Italy-based developer and producer of plant-based, clean-label ingredients.
Looking ahead, PoLoPo plans to continue replanting throughout the spring to ensure a consistent protein supply year-round and to validate growth conditions across different seasons. These developments underscore PoLoPo’s commitment to advancing molecular farming and providing sustainable protein solutions to the food industry.