Overcoming metabolic constraints in the scalable growth of mouse embryonic stem cells for cultured meat

Cellular agriculture uses laboratory-grown cells to sustainably produce food, although high cost of growing cells currently limits widespread commercial application of this technology. Because Animals seeks to develop cat food using mouse stem cells, which can be grown indefinitely and converted into muscle and fat cells. Stem cells grow in a liquid medium that contains nutrients and expensive growth supplements and as cells grow, they deplete nutrients and release metabolic waste, necessitating media replacement. We will measure over 100 nutrients and metabolites in cells grown in several media conditions, including a cost-effective alternative, to identify metabolic barriers to robust growth of mouse stem cells. We will then test approaches for overcoming these barriers to promote cell growth and improve metabolic efficiency. Results of these experiments will help Because Animals achieve the goal of sustainable and cost-effective production of cultured meat.

Faculty Supervisor:

P Joel Ross

Student:

Partner:

Because Animals Corp

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Prince Edward Island

Program: