Metabolic Engineering of the Edible Fungus Fusarium venenatum for Synchronous Bioproduction of Haemoglobin and Mycoproteins

Objective

Global food security is facing mounting challenges from population growth, climate change, and the environmental costs associated with conventional agriculture. Fungal mycoproteins offer sustainable, protein-rich alternatives; however, current products are limited by their pale colour, mild flavour, and low haem iron content, which requires the use of costly additives. This project, FvSynBio, pioneers the metabolic engineering of fungi to enable the synchronous bioproduction of haemoglobin (Hb) and mycoprotein within a single biomass. By integrating advanced CRISPR/Cas9 and synthetic biology tools, the project will construct stable genetic modules, optimise metabolic pathways and fermentation processes, and validate scalability and economic viability through techno-economic assessment. This innovation eliminates blending steps, reduces production costs, and delivers meat substitutes with enhanced sensory and nutritional properties, including authentic red colour, meaty flavour, and improved iron nutrition. The originality lies in establishing fungi as a platform for functional Hb expression, significantly expanding its genetic toolbox and positioning it at the forefront of fungal synthetic biology. Outcomes include engineered strains, robust fermentation protocols, and an open, transferable toolkit benefiting the wider microbial biotechnology community. Impact extends beyond science: reducing reliance on animal agriculture, contributing to the EU Green Deal, and unlocking cost-effective, climate-resilient protein sources for global markets.