Cultivated pork meat in multi-organism combination is a challenging hybrid technological process which pays off. Microalgae, as the key substrate in a process of porcine cells cultivation, are used for three separate platforms: for FBS replacement, as microcarrier, and for growth factors production.

• Microalgal cocktail is crucial media component to replace FBS for sustainable and animal free meat production. 
• Live microalgae in co-cultivation with porcine cells act as microcarrier in scaffolding hybrid biomass in 3D structure.
• Growth factors produced under microalgae cultivation conditions allow to simplify porcine cells growth media composition without recombinant protein purification and concentration. 
  

Roslin Technologies is a pioneer in pluripotent stem cell development for cultivated meat applications. Our multi-species, indefinitely self-renewing, karyotypically-normal stem cells are developed from elite animal breeding stocks and supplied with full traceability and data-supporting cultivated meat regulatory dossiers. We share our latest bioprocess metrics supporting the development of robust, scalable cultivated meat production solutions.

This talk will set out the challenges and opportunities in upstream processing for alternative protein production. It will seek to identify knowledge- and-skills gaps in the domain, as well as what can be learnt from the various sectors of biotechnology (the intersections with Red, White, Green, Blue and Gold Biotech), and conclude by circling back to the gaps to identify areas that could provide the greatest opportunities in the research and industrial environment.

Media optimization strategies have evolved significantly in recent decades, benefiting from recent advances in various interdisciplinary fields. These encompass a broader comprehension of cellular processes, AI-driven protein design, simulation of protein-protein interactions, experimental design, and omics-based modelling of cellular processes within digital twins. When sequentially applied, these approaches not only deepen our understanding of the processes, but also improve the predictability of the system, ultimately resulting in superior performance.

• Recent advances in various interdisciplinary fields promote significant progress in medium optimization strategies
• AI-driven protein design and simulation of protein-protein interactions allow prediction of growth factor behaviour
• New design of experiment schemes and omics-based modelling of cellular processes within digital twins

Computer-aided design (CAD) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) are playing key roles in the digital transformation of bioprocesses. CAD and CFD can be used to enable scale-up, predicting performance of lab- and production-scale reactors. Such models also play a key role in bioreactor design, augmenting our control over the fluid dynamic environment.

We have developed a scalable, microcarrier based, intensified bioprocess for the expansion of bovine adipose‐derived stem cells as precursors of fat, a component of cultivated meat, first in spinner flasks of different sizes and then translated to fully controlled litre scale benchtop bioreactors. Bioprocess intensification utilised the bead‐to‐bead transfer phenomenon and the combined addition of microcarrier and medium to double the existing surface area and working volume in the bioreactor.

Cocoon Bioscience has developed an automated, baculovirus-based platform that utilises living insects in their chrysalis state as natural bioreactors for producing complex recombinant proteins with high activity that are difficult or impossible to produce in traditional expression systems. Initially developed for production of vaccines at a gram-scale, Cocoon is currently scaling the technology—on upstream, downstream, and starting material input—to the gram-scale at an industrial facility

Scaling-up cell culture requires understanding and improving cell kinetics, bioreactor hydrodynamics, and substrate/nutrient feeding strategies, using process analytics, empirical kinetic & mechanistic modelling, and effective bioreactor designs. This presentation will focus on implementing effective scaling techniques in suspension cell culture for accelerating delivery of high-quality, delicious seafood to market, and advancing sustainability in our food system. 

• Cell culture medium - is there still a potential for lowering the price?
• Do we expect a breakthrough in bioreactor design?
• What is the potential of computational approach/AI in mastering these hurdles?​

This presentation explores the intricate landscape of cultivated meat regulation and quality standards in Europe and global markets. We will delve into the dynamic legal framework, addressing hurdles and opportunities for industry players. By examining key quality assurance strategies, this session equips stakeholders with insights to navigate evolving landscapes, and ensure safe, sustainable, and delicious cultured meat products for consumers.

Cultivated meat is a disruptive technology and an anthropological revolution. News in the media suggests the field is at an advanced technology readiness level (TRL), ready to hit the market at scale. But, with current manufacturing processes, cultured meat is still extremely expensive and faces a challenging route to scaling up.  Also, resistance to governmental regulation from the traditional meat sector is rising, and in Italy this took the form of a controversial ban. With the perspective of an insider in this field since 2009, we describe promises and challenges of this field.