As the demand for meat continues to grow, so does the concern for the environmental impact of traditional livestock farming practices. Fortunately, advancements in biotechnology have led to the development of cell-cultured meats, which offer a sustainable and cruelty-free alternative to conventionally produced meats. One major hurdle in the commercialization of cell-cultured meats, however, is the ability to produce large quantities at a reasonable cost. This is where bioreactors come into play.
What Are Bioreactors and How Do They Enable Cell-Cultured Meat Production?
Bioreactors are vessels designed to facilitate the growth of living organisms under controlled conditions, making them ideal for the cultivation of animal cells for the production of cell-cultured meats. By providing optimal conditions for cell growth, bioreactors enable the scaling up of cell-cultured meat production to commercial levels.
The process of producing cell-cultured meat using a bioreactor typically begins with obtaining animal cells, which can be sourced from a biopsy of live animals or a tissue bank. These cells are then placed into the bioreactor, along with a nutrient-rich growth medium, which provides the cells with the necessary nutrients to multiply and form muscle tissue.
The Advantages of Parallel Cell Growth in Bioreactor-Based Meat Production
One of the key advantages of using a bioreactor to produce cell-cultured meats is the ability to tightly control the production process. Bioreactors can be programmed to maintain precise conditions, such as temperature, pH, and oxygen levels, which are critical for cell growth and tissue formation. This level of control helps to ensure consistent quality and safety of the final product.
Another advantage of bioreactor-based production is the potential for increased efficiency and reduced costs. Bioreactors can be designed to maximize cell growth, resulting in a higher yield of meat per unit of input. Additionally, bioreactors offer the ability to produce meat in a much shorter time frame compared to traditional livestock farming, as the cells can be grown in parallel and harvested once they reach a certain density.
Overcoming challenges in bioreactor-based production
Despite the potential benefits of bioreactor-based production, there are still some challenges that must be addressed. One such challenge is the cost of producing the growth medium, which can be a significant expense in the cell-cultured meat production process. However, research is underway to develop more cost-effective growth media, which could help to reduce the overall cost of production.
Another challenge is the scalability of the production process. As production scales up, the size and complexity of the bioreactor systems must also increase, which can lead to additional costs and logistical challenges. To combat this, JBT A&B Process Systems’ READYGo™ BIOREACTOR is a state-of-the-art solution that provides companies with a highly flexible, modular, and scalable system to take their cultivated meat products to market faster than ever. With its configurable design, it is optimized to address several pressing challenges in this emerging market.
The Role of READYGo™ BIOREACTOR in Meeting Food Market Needs
The READYGo™ BIOREACTOR is a flexible and scalable platform for cultured meat companies to launch products from pilot to full-scale production, ranging in volume from 20 to 20,000 liters and beyond. This allows companies to rapidly expand their production as their business expands from the start-up phase through full-scale production.
The bioreactor is manufactured with “best in class,” non-proprietary components, designed to minimize the time-to-market for scaling up facilities without compromising a customer’s ability to implement their unique process requirements. This means that companies can quickly configure the unit and integrate it with JBT’s media preparation, harvest/hold, and CIP/SIP systems as well as their protein preparation and packaging lines, minimizing time-to-market.
The READYGo™ BIOREACTOR is designed to reduce the historically high cost of capital expense associated with cell culture bioreactors while meeting the necessary needs of the food market without unnecessary added expense. This helps to make the process of scaling up production more affordable and accessible for companies of all sizes.
Comprehensive Solution for Scaling Up Production of Cultivated Meats
JBT is a leader in traditional protein processing equipment, and all our machines and systems can be used with equal effectiveness to process alternative and cultivated meats. With the addition of the READYGo™ BIOREACTOR, JBT is equipped to assist companies in rapidly scaling production.
Our machines and systems are used worldwide and can process not only alternative and cultivated meats but also traditional meat products. JBT provides solutions for downstream protein processing, including portioning, marinating, massaging, breading, frying, and freezing.
Our equipment is designed to maximize yields and production uptime while integrating seamlessly into existing processes. JBT’s portioning equipment can produce the highest yields in the industry, and our marinating and massaging systems can enhance the flavor and texture of meats. Additionally, our breading and frying systems can give meat products a desirable crispy exterior, while our freezing equipment can help to preserve product quality and extend shelf life.
The READYGo™ BIOREACTOR also offers easy integration with JBT’s media preparation, harvest/hold, CIP/SIP systems, and downstream protein processing equipment, providing a comprehensive solution for companies looking to scale up their production of cell-cultured meats. Overall, JBT offers a comprehensive solution for companies looking to scale up production in the meat industry, whether through traditional or bioreactor-based methods.
Bioreactors: A Promising Solution for Scaling Up Production of Cell-Cultured Meats
Bioreactors offer a promising avenue for scaling up the production of cell-cultured meats, which could revolutionize the meat industry and help to address some of the environmental and ethical concerns associated with traditional livestock farming. While there are still challenges to overcome, the potential benefits of this technology make it an exciting area for continued research and development. JBT A&B Process Systems READYGo™ BIOREACTOR is a game-changing solution that enables companies to scale up their production of cell-cultured meats faster, more affordably, and with greater flexibility. Its modular design, scalability, and easy integration with other systems make it an ideal solution for companies of all sizes looking to enter or expand in this emerging market.
Learn More About JBT A&B Process Systems’ READYGo™ BIOREACTOR