https://bio.nikkeibp.co.jp/atcl/news/p1/26/01/07/14134/
https://www.symbiobe.jp/greenhouse-gas-fixation/
Symbiobe, a Kyoto startup that cultivates marine purple photosynthetic bacteria for material production, has established a new demonstration plant for cultivating photosynthetic bacteria based on a strategic partnership agreement with Idemitsu Kosan. The plant is scheduled to begin operation in February 2026 and will cultivate marine purple photosynthetic bacteria using greenhouse gases and wastewater as substrates. The company plans to install Symbiobe bioreactors at corporate facilities that emit substrate gases and wastewater to cultivate photosynthetic bacteria, and use the substances accumulated within the bacteria and the bacteria themselves as biomass.
The company is currently developing three products:
- (1) “Air Silk,” a fiber made from proteins produced by photosynthetic bacteria;
- (2) “Air Fertilizer,” which uses the bacteria as agricultural fertilizer; and
- (3) “Air Feed,” which uses the bacteria as aquaculture feed.
From a fertilizer perspective, photosynthetic bacteria are highly effective due to their high nitrogen content。 As for feed, photosynthetic bacteria have a protein content equal to or greater than that of fish meal, soybeans, and American soldier flies, making them a viable alternative to fish meal. By producing them under specific cultivation conditions, even high-carotenoid feed can be produced that improves egg color.
