It may not taste great, but scientists have managed to create basic protein meals using carbon dioxide and electricity.

Researchers hope that the protein-rich food could one day be used aboard long-haul spaceflights or to alleviate famine in poorer parts of the world.

The powdered food, which is created using energy from solar panels and freely available CO2, could also be fed to livestock to help free up more farming land.

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The creation of food from thin air is one step closer to reality after scientists have been able to make protein powder using just CO2 and electricity (pictured is the powder)

HOW IS IT MADE? The powdered food was created using energy from solar panels and freely available CO2. The food was created in a laboratory using a series of coffee cup-sized 'protein reactors'. Researchers added water, carbon dioxide, and microbes into a small bioreactor. They then exposed these elements to electrolysis, the process by which complex substances are broken down using electricity. This process allowed researchers to gather a small amount of solid material which had a nutrition profile matching that of basic food. Within a fortnight, the reactors could create a spoonful of these single-celled proteins. The next step is for the researchers is to begin pilot production. At the pilot stage, the material would be produced in quantities sufficient for development and testing of fodder and food products. Advertisement

The food is created in a laboratory using a series of coffee cup-sized 'protein reactors'.

Researchers added water, carbon dioxide, and microbes into a small bioreactor.

They then exposed these elements to electrolysis, the process by which complex substances are broken down using electricity.

This process allowed researchers to gather a small amount of solid material which had a nutrition profile matching that of basic food.

Within a fortnight, the reactors can create a spoonful of single-celled proteins using just solar energy and some microbe supplements.

'In practice, all the raw materials are available from the air,' said lead researcher Juha-Pekka Pitkänen, principal scientist at the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland.

'In the future, the technology can be transported to, for instance, deserts and other areas facing famine.

'One possible alternative is a home reactor, a type of domestic appliance that the consumer can use to produce the needed protein.'

Along with food, the researchers are developing the protein to be used as animal feed.

The protein could be used as a fodder replacement, thus releasing land areas for other purposes, such as forestry.

It allows food to be produced where it is needed.

'Compared to traditional agriculture, the production method currently under development does not require a location with the conditions for agriculture, such as the right temperature, humidity or a certain soil type,' said co-researcher Professor Jero Ahola from the Lappeenranta University of Technology (LUT).

'This allows us to use a completely automatised process to produce the animal feed required in a shipping container facility built on the farm.

The powdered food is created in a laboratory using a series of coffee cup-sized 'protein reactors' (pictured)

Within a fortnight, the reactors can create a spoonful of single-celled proteins using just solar energy and some microbe supplements (pictured is part of the reactor)

'The method requires no pest-control substances. Only the required amount of fertiliser-like nutrients is used in the closed process.

'This allows us to avoid any environmental impacts, such as runoffs into water systems or the formation of powerful greenhouse gases.'

The process of creating food from electricity can be nearly 10 times as energy-efficient as common photosynthesis, the process plants use to create their 'food'.

For the product to be competitive, the production process must become even more efficient.

WHAT DO ASTRONAUTS EAT IN SPACE? On board the International Space Station, some foods can be eaten in their natural forms, such as brownies and fruit. Other foods require adding water, such as macaroni and cheese or spaghetti. An oven is provided in the space station to heat foods to the proper temperature. There are no refrigerators in space, so space food must be stored and prepared properly to avoid spoilage, especially on longer missions. Condiments, such as ketchup, mustard and mayonnaise, are provided. Salt and pepper are available but only in a liquid form. This is because astronauts can't sprinkle salt and pepper on their food in space. The salt and pepper would simply float away. There is a danger they could clog air vents, contaminate equipment or get stuck in an astronaut's eyes, mouth or nose. Astronauts eat three meals a day: breakfast, lunch and dinner. Nutritionists ensure the food astronauts eat provides them with a balanced supply of vitamins and minerals. An astronaut can choose from many types of foods such as fruits, nuts, peanut butter, chicken, beef, seafood, candy, brownies. Available drinks include coffee, tea, orange juice, fruit punches and lemonade. Advertisement

Currently, the production of one gram of protein takes around two weeks, using laboratory equipment that is about the size of a coffee cup.

The next step is for the researchers is to begin pilot production.

At the pilot stage, the material would be produced in quantities sufficient for development and testing of fodder and food products.

The scientists have predicted that it may take as long as a decade to produce the food in such large quantities.

'We are currently focusing on developing the technology: reactor concepts, technology, improving efficiency and controlling the process,' said Professor Ahola.

Researchers hope that the protein-rich food (pictured) could one day be used aboard long-haul spaceflights or to alleviate famine in poorer parts of the world

Currently, the production of one gram of protein takes around two weeks, using specialised laboratory equipment (pictured)

'Control of the process involves adjustment and modelling of renewable energy so as to enable the microbes to grow as well as possible.

'The idea is to develop the concept into a mass product, with a price that drops as the technology becomes more common.

'The schedule for commercialisation depends on the economy.'

The researchers added the protein powder is a nutritious food source.

'In the long term, protein created with electricity is meant to be used in cooking and products as it is,' said lead research Dr Pitkänen said.

'The mixture is very nutritious, with more than 50 per cent protein and 25 per cent carbohydrates.

'The rest is fats and nucleic acids. The consistency of the final product can be modified by changing the organisms used in the production.'