Alpine Bio, a pioneering molecular farming startup, has achieved a significant milestone by harvesting its first large-scale crop of genetically engineered soybeans that produce casein proteins in Nebraska. This breakthrough is the culmination of seven years of research and development, as founder and CEO Magi Richani explains, “to get expression levels to a point where the science and the economics make sense.” Richani, a former civil engineer at Shell, has transitioned from project management in oil to leading a company focused on sustainable agriculture.
The company’s approach aims to address the challenges faced by traditional plant-based cheese alternatives, which often struggle to replicate the melting and stretching qualities of dairy cheese due to the unique properties of casein. Richani notes that while precision fermentation can produce casein proteins using engineered microbes, the molecular farming method offers a more cost-effective solution by leveraging existing agricultural infrastructure. This strategic advantage positions Alpine Bio to meet the growing demand for animal-free dairy products without the prohibitive costs associated with other production methods.
Alpine Bio’s focus in the coming year is on establishing key partnerships within the supply chain to secure multi-million-dollar contracts. “We are being very focused and deliberate about sampling with key customers,” Richani states, emphasizing the importance of locking in offtake agreements. These agreements are crucial for obtaining loans to scale up production, reducing reliance on equity funding, and ensuring a sustainable business model.
In terms of allergen management, Alpine Bio is taking proactive measures to ensure safety. As the first company to grow an allergen—milk protein—within soybeans, they are committed to creating a closed-loop system that tracks and controls all aspects of production. Richani explains that they have implemented GPS tracking and geofencing technology to prevent any accidental release of their seeds outside designated areas. They are also collaborating with industry groups to set standards for safe market entry of molecular farming technologies.
Alpine Bio’s research has focused on producing soybeans that contain all four casein proteins found in cow’s milk. However, Richani clarifies that producing all proteins simultaneously may not yield the best product. The company has been experimenting with various combinations of casein proteins to determine optimal functionalities for different applications. “We have grown multiple lines with different combinations of casein proteins to test in applications as different combinations have different advantages,” she explains.
The choice of soy as the base crop is strategic, given its high protein content and established agricultural infrastructure in the U.S. With approximately 90 million acres of soybeans grown annually, Alpine Bio has access to a large network of farmers and processing facilities. Richani emphasizes that their process is designed to integrate seamlessly with traditional soybean processing methods, which will allow them to scale production efficiently over time.
While Alpine Bio initially intended to launch its consumer brand, Nobell Foods, the company has pivoted towards a business-to-business model. This shift is driven by a need for capital efficiency, although Richani indicates a potential future partnership to leverage the Nobell brand without bearing the full investment burden.
As the molecular farming sector continues to evolve, Alpine Bio stands at the forefront of innovation, promising a more sustainable method of producing dairy proteins. By harnessing the power of plants as biofactories, the company is not only addressing consumer demand for animal-free products but also setting a precedent for responsible and scalable agricultural practices. The implications of this technology extend beyond the immediate market, potentially reshaping the future of food production and sustainability in the agricultural landscape.