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WORKPLAN

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Workplan

ZEST kicked-off in Juin 2023 and will cover a period of 48 months. It is structured in 9 interconnected work packages (WPs). 

WP1 – Fungi Screening and Test Fermentation

Initially, various raw materials and agricultural side streams will be examined for their suitability as feedstock for fungal fermentation. During WP1, several analyses will be conducted to determine the nutrient content of the selected feedstocks. Understanding their nutrient composition is essential to estimate the specific nutrient profile each feedstock provides to the fungi. All data will be shared with the other partners to develop various datasets and digital models. Based on the results of this WP, a user-editable and publicly accessible database of the tested feedstocks will be established.

WP2 – Bioreactor Design and Fermentation Upscaling

Considering the operational challenges of modern bioreactors for submerged filamentous fungi cultivations—(1) managing heterogeneity induced by high viscosity, (2) lowering energy requirements for agitation, (3) ensuring high oxygen mass transfer rates, and (4) avoiding foaming, cell adhesion, and morphology changes throughout the cultivation—the project team will engage in activities aimed at designing and developing individual bioreactor systems that can be adjusted for multiple cultivation process conditions.

WP3 – Digital Modelling, Process Monitoring and Control

The main objective of this WP is to implement data processes, digital models, and AI mechanisms for the analysis and control of fermenters/bioreactors, fermentation parameters, and fermentation and bioreactor processes, as well as to guide decision-making for fermentation experiment setups and validation.

WP4 – Downstream Processes

Work Package 4 is organized to design the most optimal and efficient downstream process for the outputs from WP1 and WP2, targeting product applications in WP5. Its specific objectives are: (1) developing a suitable downstream process for the recovery and purification of fungal biomass, targeting its specific application as food ingredients; (2) creating suitable downstream processes for the purification of mycoprotein extracted from mycelia, targeting its specific application as food and/or feed ingredients; (3) testing, validating, and improving the quality of the mycoprotein; and (4) developing stepwise extraction and/or other cascading strategies for feedstock and fermentation residues.

WP5 – Product Development

The main goal of WP5 is to operationalise product formulation and production for proof-of-concept, in order to demonstrate the commercial viability of the mycoproteins, chitin, mannans, and other potential residuals obtained from this project. Throughout this work package, partners will develop food- or pet-food-grade products from the extracted proteins and polysaccharides, such as myco-chitin/chitosans, based on the specific product requirements for each application defined by the end users. Application work will be carried out using pilot-plant equipment, ensuring scalable solutions.

WP6 – Safety and Sustainability Assessment

The incorporation of Safety-and-Sustainability-by-Design (SSbD) requirements into the processes developed within ZEST will involve integrating principles that prioritise safety and sustainability throughout the entire extraction process of targeted compounds from food side streams, ensuring that the resulting food ingredients are not only safe for consumption but also have minimal environmental impact throughout their lifecycle. The main goal of WP6 will be to operationalise sets of criteria for SSbD assessment to guide all related processes towards minimising human and environmental risks while maximising the positive impact of food additives.

WP7 – Dissemination and Communication

WP7’s mission is to maximise the project’s impact and the dissemination of its findings by delivering targeted information to predefined audiences. The planned actions include: (1) raising awareness among key stakeholders about the project’s existence, significance, and innovative practices, procedures, and new products; (2) ensuring that knowledge and activities are effectively exchanged among consortium partners; and (3) making use of the partners’ networks and existing communication tools.

WP8 – Business Modelling and Exploitation

In general terms, WP8 seeks to ensure the maximum impact of the ZEST project. More specifically, this work package aims to: (1) develop an appropriate business model and operational business plan for project outputs and results, in order to maximise the impact and market uptake of the outcomes in other application areas; (2) test and validate the business models to refine the exploitation strategy; and (3) support the exploitation of project results through the assessment and mitigation of exploitation risks and proper IPR (Intellectual Property Rights) management.

WP9 – Project Management

WP9 involves coordinating tasks, managing risks, and ensuring that all project elements come together efficiently to deliver the desired outcomes. It encompasses planning, organising, leading, and controlling resources (such as time, money, people, and technology) to achieve specific goals and objectives within a defined timeline and budget.

ONE STEP AHEAD

Beyond the state of the art

ZEST’s approach to mycelial fermentation in agricultural side streams will advance beyond the state of the art and offer solutions to current challenges.

These solutions outline the basis for the strategy set out in ZEST’s approach to an improved and modern fermentation production system, resulting in a range of biological products. As a result, it will achieve a paradigm of minimal waste and full cascade usage along the entire production line.

Environmental and Ethical Challenges

Global livestock production has tripled in four decades and is expected to double by 2050, contributing 40% of global protein intake. It is linked to pollution, habitat loss, and ethical concerns.

Problems with traditional systems

Meat production contributes 15%-24% of global greenhouse gas emissions and faces criticism for its unsustainable and inhumane practices, raising concerns about its long-term viability.

Alternative protein sources

Various alternative proteins, such as insect, algae, and plant-based options, have been explored. However, challenges remain, including off-tastes, poor textures, costly processes, and scalability issues.

Potential of mycoprotein

Fungi-based mycoprotein offers a promising solution, with better texture and flavour compared to plant proteins. It also has greater scalability and environmental benefits, positioning it as a revolutionary alternative.

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Co-funded by the European Union under Grant Agreement No. 101157382. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or CBE JU. Neither the European Union nor the CBE JU can be held responsible for them.

The project is supported by the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU) and its members.

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