Air Protein unveils the first prototypes of air-based meat

US-based start-up Air Protein has announced a new type of meat, produced using airborne elements.

The company explained that this meat contains air-based proteins and can be made without land and water.

Elements found in the air are combined with water and mineral nutrients. Using a probiotic production process, these elements are converted into a nutrient-rich protein containing an amino acid profile that is found in animal protein and contains B vitamins.

Its process uses Kiverdi’s carbon transformation technology, which is inspired by Nasa’s closed-loop carbon cycle concepts for long-journey space missions.

Air Protein revealed that this technology can produce air-based meat within days, rather than months, irrespective of weather conditions and seasons, and the process is similar to that of making yoghurt or beer.

CEO Dr Lisa Dyson said: “The statistics are clear. Our current resources are under extreme strain as evidenced by the burning Amazon due to deforestation and steadily increasing droughts.

“We need to produce more food with a reduced dependency on land and water resources. Air-based meat addresses these resource issues and more.

“The world is embracing plant-based meat and we believe air-based meat is the next evolution of the sustainably produced food movement that will serve as one of the solutions to feeding a growing population without putting a strain on natural resources.”

Air-based meat will be categorised under a new consumer segment called air-based foods.

Air Protein added that its new air-based meat is free of pesticides, herbicides, hormones or antibiotics.