Fogponics, molecular farming and my chat with the Lite & Fog crew
After 20 years in academia (working on stem cells and regenerative medicine) followed by an exhilarating four-year stint at Vow (a hypergrowth cultured meat startup), I've recently transitioned into consulting and working with startups and SMEs in the biomanufacturing space. This change has brought its share of challenges and rewards. However, the most significant reward has been the opportunity to engage with so many remarkable people who are doing incredible work. The biomanufacturing sector, is absolutely overflowing with potential when it comes to solving some of the biggest and most challenging problems in the world today. From health, to food, to textiles, to specialty chemicals biomanufacturing has the potential to change our world (for the better).
One area that has particularly piqued my interest is molecular farming—the concept of using plants to produce downstream proteins or molecules. While this idea isn’t new, the developments around it are absolutely amazing. 🌱
Recently, I had the pleasure of discussing this topic with Uwe Peter and Martin Peter from Lite&Fog. They're pioneering the use of fogponics to enhance the efficiency and yield of molecularly farmed products. Their innovative system integrates vertical farming with a nutrient-rich fog, optimizing water and nutrient usage dramatically 🌫️. The entire setup is monitored through a network of interconnected cameras, facilitating remote management and control. During our chat, Uwe and Martin showcased a chamber brimming with unusually large tobacco plants, commonly used as hosts for the desired proteins or molecules.
The standout feature for me was not just the system’s ability to maintain genetic containment, but its remarkable nutrient and water efficiency, coupled with a significant increase in yield—key factors in any biomanufacturing process aimed at reducing costs and enhancing output.
[Also, just a quick disclaimer. I am not working with or paid by Lite&Fog. I'm just super excited by what they are doing and wanted to share!]
