Enabling Sustainable Aquaculture

KnipBio was conceived in 20xx by Larry Feinberg, an industrial biotechnologist and entrepreneur, and Chris Marx, a Harvard University evolutionary microbiologist. Larry was investigating the potential for microbial conversion technologies based around natural gas and approached Dr. Marx to take advantage of his 17+ years of experience with this kind of microbial physiology.

 

The two hit on the idea of using common microbes to produce something that is scarce- protein- from an abundant, non-food feedstock. After considerable research, they found the ideal microbe- methylobacterium. They discovered this microbe can produce more than just high quality protein –  with careful engineering it can be a powerful  engine to create valuable biomolecules like the anti-oxidant carotenoids that give salmon and shrimp their red color.  

 

The pair started working in a small lab in Larry’s barn in XXXX. After growing enough protein biomass to support initial tests, they ran their first feed study in XXX with clownfish and smallmouth grunts in collaboration with researchers from the New England Aquarium and Roger Williams University. The results were impressive and gave the pair the confidence they needed to set out on a journey to create a responsible and sustainable food source for fish.

 

The challenges have been many: developing the tools required to refine the biotechnology, learning how to optimize a laboratory-scale fermentation process to work at commercial scale, and proving through field trials that their bio-engineered protein was an effective fishmeal replacement for commercially-relevant fish like salmon and trout.