INNOVATION 50 Alternative Proteins Magazine October 2024 the biofuel sector, we are tackling two of the most urgent climate and environmental challenges: energy for heavy transportation and organic waste management” says Yoav Etgar, BugEra’s CEO. Moreover, as biofuel is not food or feed, BSFx2 can be cultivated on non-feed grade waste, offering a solution for new sources of organic waste streams that are currently untapped in the BSF industry today. Additionally, utilizing non-feed grade waste as a cultivation medium contributes to a reduction in cost of goods sold (COGS). GENETIC EDITING AND CRISPR/CAS TECHNOLOGY For the readers who may not be familiar with Crispr/Cas technology, a brief overview is provided. Crispr/Cas is a relatively new technology for gene-editing (GE), enabling the modification of specific traits by altering precise nucleotides within an organism's genome, without the incorporation of foreign DNA. This contrasts with the more widely recognized method of genetic modification (GM or GMO), which involves the insertion of foreign DNA into the organism's genome and can result in unpredictable and potentially detrimental outcomes. Indeed, many Western nations classify GE organisms as non-GMO, thereby establishing a regulatory framework that facilitates the application of Crispr/Cas technology for the development of new strains in a highly accurate and efficient manner1. As Crispr/Cas gains traction in agriculture for enhancing plant traits and receiving acceptance in medicine for treatment of various diseases, BugEra is elevating the BSF industry to a similar level, positioning it alongside other leading sectors. StaaS (STRAIN AS A SERVICE) AND FUTURE PROSPECTIVES A primary objective of BugEra is to facilitate the growth and advancement of the BSF industry. Utilizing the M-BSF platform, along with its cutting-edge molecular tools and innovative genetic technologies, BugEra is equipped with unparalleled expertise in BSF genetics and strain development. Thus, almost any trait can be altered to provide added value for BSF growers, and for the expansion of BSF industry into novel value chains such as the example of BSFx2 for biofuel. Following the successful development of BSFx2 and unlocking the BSF oil production economical barriers, we are ready for new challenges and look for new products and novel value chains, such as ingredients for cosmetics, specialized oil for lubricants, bio-stimulants for agriculture, high-value protein for feed and food, and even pharma. Therefore, BugEra offers new service of development customized BSF strains, named StaaS (Starin as a Service), and invites BSF companies and research institutions to collaborate and leverage the M-BSF platform, whether for research purposes or for development of customized strains to meet specific needs. References 1. https://crispr-gene-editing-regs-tracker.geneticliteracyproject.org/ BugEra’s BSFx2 oil A genetically modified larva expressing GFP protein (right) and a Native larva (left).
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTUxNjkxNQ==