Molecular farming startup PoLoPo, has reached a significant milestone by initiating field cultivation of its genetically engineered potato plants. This marks the first large-scale planting of crops derived from the company’s proprietary metabolic engineering techniques, aimed at producing high-protein potatoes.
The field trials, conducted in collaboration with an experienced local grower in southern Israel’s Eshkol region, expand PoLoPo’s operations from its initial greenhouse-scale efforts to open-field conditions. The company anticipates harvesting approximately three tons of potatoes in spring 2025, a substantial increase from the tens of kilograms previously achieved in controlled environments.
“These field trials are a pivotal step for us and the molecular farming field at large,” said Maya Sapir-Mir, PoLoPo’s CEO. “The increased yield will allow us to produce commercial samples for partners, enabling them to explore food applications using our protein powders.”
Strategic and Scientific Goals
The large-scale cultivation serves several key purposes for PoLoPo’s molecular farming program:
Production of Commercial Samples: Generating sufficient quantities of protein-rich potatoes to provide functional protein powders to potential clients.
Testing New Genotypes: Assessing a range of experimental genotypes to identify varieties with optimal protein accumulation in tubers.
Field Validation: Confirming the consistency, reliability, and quality of previously selected genotypes under real-world conditions.
These trials will help advance PoLoPo’s ability to scale its molecular farming technology and ensure that its protein production remains efficient and cost-effective.
Transforming Potatoes into Micro-Biofactories
PoLoPo’s patented metabolic engineering approach enables potato plants to act as biofactories, producing and storing high-value proteins within their tubers. Once harvested, the proteins are extracted and processed into functional protein powders. These powders are designed to integrate seamlessly into existing food production lines, offering sustainable, scalable alternatives to traditional protein sources.
PoLoPo’s primary focus is on producing ovalbumin, a protein commonly found in eggs, which offers a cost-effective solution for industries affected by fluctuating egg prices, supply chain disruptions, and avian flu outbreaks. Additionally, the company is producing patatin, a native potato protein prized for its allergen-friendly properties and high quality.
A Step Toward Commercialization
As PoLoPo awaits USDA regulatory approval, which is expected in the coming weeks, the company plans to collaborate with U.S.-based partners and growers to expand its operations further. Field trials in Israel provide critical data for scaling production and securing the reliability of PoLoPo’s engineered potato plants in diverse climates and growing conditions.
With the global demand for sustainable, high-quality proteins on the rise, PoLoPo’s success in field cultivation represents a promising advancement for molecular farming. By combining innovative science with agricultural expertise, the company is poised to make functional protein powders accessible for food and nutraceutical industries worldwide.
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