In the field of agricultural innovation, PoLoPo has become a leader with its innovative SuperAA platform. This platform represents a significant advance in molecular agriculture, allowing common plant crops, especially potatoes, to serve as hosts for protein production. Through proprietary metabolic engineering techniques, PoLoPo has unlocked the potato’s potential as a biofactory, producing both native proteins such as patatin and egg whites such as ovalbumin.
The deployment of the SuperAA platform marks a paradigm shift in protein production. Traditionally, proteins have been obtained from animal sources, raising concerns about environmental sustainability, animal welfare and supply chain stability. The PoLoPo approach circumvents these problems by harnessing the natural productivity of plants and their storage organs, offering a scalable and environmentally friendly alternative.
One of the key advantages of using potatoes as protein factories is their adaptability to diverse climates and low growing costs. In addition, potatoes boast a relatively short ripening time and large tuber storage capacity, making them an ideal candidate for large-scale production. Additionally, their compatibility with existing harvesting and processing technologies makes it easier to integrate protein extraction and processing into existing food production lines.
The capabilities of the PoLoPo SuperAA platform go far beyond growing and processing potatoes. By enabling large-scale protein production in plants, this technology has the potential to revolutionize the broader agricultural landscape and agritech industry. With a focus on efficiency, sustainability and economic vitality, PoLoPo is poised to drive significant transformation in the food system.
Maya Sapir-Mir, CEO of PoLoPo, highlights the transformative potential of the SuperAA platform, stating: “Mass production of proteins in plants through molecular farming has the potential to economically transform not only potato growing and processing, but wider agriculture and agtech, for more sustainable and a sustainable food system.”
The versatility of proteins produced on the SuperAA platform opens up many opportunities across a variety of industries. Ovalbumin, a key protein produced by PoLoPo, is widely used in packaged foods due to its functional properties and ability to enhance nutritional value and shelf life. As demand for ovalbumin continues to rise, affordable alternative PoLoPo offers a sustainable solution to mitigate issues such as rising egg prices and supply chain instability.
In addition, patatin powder, derived from potatoes, provides a versatile and allergen-free source of protein for a variety of products, ranging from plant-based alternatives to dairy products, baked goods, snacks and sports nutrition. This not only addresses consumer preferences for healthier food options, but also contributes to food security, especially in regions suffering from malnutrition.
PoLoPo’s journey to revolutionize agriculture began with the vision of its co-founders Maya Sapir-Mir and Raya Lieberman-Aloni, who combined their expertise in biotechnology and agricultural research and development to pioneer the SuperAA platform. With a $2.3 million pre-seed round and a number of prestigious awards, PoLoPo is well positioned to lead the movement toward a more resilient and resilient food system.
