Science digest
Microbial precision fermentation for food proteins is reviewed across applications such as color, flavor, texture, nutrition, processing, and specialized functions. The authors assess feedstocks, production organisms, genome and metabolic engineering, process optimization using statistical and neural-network methods, and protein purification, alongside regulation. They report progress in increasing yields, reproducing protein functions, and preparing products for approval. Remaining barriers include accurate flavor matching, complete nutrition, allergen risks, and processing contaminants. Proposed responses include improved engineering and extraction, biocontainment, and clearer regulatory systems.
1 September 2026
Fungal Biology and Applications
Filamentous fungi in Europe were reviewed through EFSA safety assessments and recent agri-food applications, with particular attention to Aspergillus. Aspergillus and Trichoderma represented about 70% of fungal safety notifications, chiefly for food-enzyme manufacture and animal-feed additives, respectively. Assessments from 2020–2025 identified hydrolases, especially glycosylases and esterases, as major Aspergillus-derived enzymes used in food processing. The review also covered fungal mycoprotein, bakery ingredients, fermented drinks, and production of aromatic compounds by Aspergillus, Trichoderma, Penicillium, and Fusarium species.
20 August 2026
Science digest
GFI Europe assessed France’s alternative-protein research and innovation landscape using screened records from Dimensions.ai and its Research Grants Tracker. Publication and funding analysis covered 2020–2025, while patents covered 2015–2025. France recorded 1,010 patents, third in Europe, but only 276 peer-reviewed papers, ranking seventh. Papers rose from 27 to 77 annually and mostly addressed plant proteins; cultivated-meat work was limited and largely consumer-focused. Public support totaled at least €29 million, was mainly plant-based, peaked in 2023, and had the lowest per-person level among Europe’s ten highest-funded countries.
20 August 2026