ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has launched a pioneering initiative in the country to develop lab-grown fish meat. This landmark project aims to enable India to make strides in the field of farmed marine fish meat to meet the growing demand for seafood and reduce undue pressure on wild resources.
Farmed or lab-grown fish meat is produced by isolating specific cells from the fish and growing them in a laboratory setting using animal component-free media. The final product will replicate the original flavor, texture and nutritional qualities of the fish.
In its initial stages, the institute is focused on developing cell-based meat for high-value marine fish species such as kingfish, pompano and sawfish. To this end, CMFRI has signed a cooperative research agreement with Neat Meatt Biotech, a startup company dedicated to developing artificial meat, to launch this initiative in a public-private partnership model.
Dr A Gopalakrishnan, Director of CMFRI and Dr Sandeep Sharma, Co-Founder and CEO of Neat Meatt Biotech signed a Memorandum of Understanding in this regard.
According to the MOU, CMFRI will conduct research on the development of early-stage cell lines of high-value marine fish. This involves isolating and culturing fish cells for further research and development. In addition, CMFRI will handle the genetic, biochemical and analytical work associated with the project. The institute’s cell culture laboratory equipped with basic facilities provides a solid foundation for cell biology research.
Drawing on its expertise in cell culture technology, Neat Meatt will lead the optimization of cell growth media, development of cell-attached scaffolds or microcarriers, and scale-up of production via bioreactors, according to a CMFRI press release. They will also provide the necessary consumables, manpower and any other equipment required for the project.
“This project aims to accelerate the development of this field and ensure that India is not left behind in this emerging industry,” said Dr. Gopalakrishnan. “This public-private partnership marks a key step in bridging the gap between India and other countries such as Singapore, Israel and the United States, which are already advancing farmed seafood research. Laboratory-raised fish has huge environmental and food security implications This collaboration leverages CMFRI’s marine research expertise and Neat Meatt’s technical knowledge in the field, paving the way for a sustainable and secure future for seafood production in India.”
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