Researchers at UC Berkeley have come up with an innovative new way to brew beer that uses CRISPR to make hopless beer. The use of this gene editing technology allowed researchers to ferment the beer and provide the taste of hops without having to use the dried flowers. In order to accomplish this feat researchers inserted four new genes, as well as the promoters that regulate the genes, into brewer’s yeast using the CRISPR gene editing tools. The edited yeast features flavors from the introduced genes and imparts these flavors on the final brew in a way only hops could previously do.
The push for hopless beer wasn't just a scientific challenge but was done to curb the environmental damage caused by hops production. Brewers generally require 50 pints of water to grow hops needed for a pint of beer. Coupled with the fertilizer and energy to transport the crop, cultivating hops is both expansive and incredibly damaging to the environment. The hope is that this CRISPR base technology will replace regular hop production and will become the primary flavoring agent in beer.
Image Credit: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.rdmag.com/article/2018/03/brewers-use-crispr-make-hopless-beer">R&D Magazine</a>
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Crispr-based Brewing
- The use of CRISPR gene editing technology in brewing opens up opportunities for creating hopless beer and exploring new flavor profiles.
- Sustainable Beer Production
- By reducing the reliance on hops and the environmental impact of hop cultivation, CRISPR-based brewing presents a disruptive innovation opportunity for sustainable beer production.
- Flavor Customization
- The ability to insert specific genes into yeast using CRISPR technology allows for precise flavor customization in beer, leading to a new realm of flavor possibilities.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Brewing
- The brewing industry can explore CRISPR-based brewing techniques to create unique and environmentally-friendly beer recipes.
- Agriculture
- CRISPR-based hopless beer can disrupt the traditional hop farming industry, prompting research and development of alternative crops or cultivation methods.
- Gene Editing Technology
- The advancement of CRISPR technology in the realm of brewing presents an opportunity for growth and innovation in the gene editing industry.
