KOCHI: The Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has embarked on a groundbreaking initiative to address the escalating demand for seafood in the country by developing lab-grown fish meat, a first-of-its-kind project.
The primary objective of the project is to advance the field of cultured marine fish meat, alleviating the strain on wild resources. Lab-grown fish meat is cultivated by isolating specific cells from the fish and growing them in a laboratory environment using animal component-free media. The end product is designed to replicate the original flavor, texture, and nutritional qualities of the fish.
In its initial phase, the institute will focus on developing cell-based meat from high-value marine species such as kingfish, pomfret, and seer fish. To drive this initiative, CMFRI has entered into a collaborative research agreement with Neat Meatt Biotech, a start-up specializing in cultivated meat, in a public-private partnership mode.
The launch of the initiative saw CMFRI Director A Gopalakrishnan signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Dr. Sandeep Sharma, co-founder, and CEO of Neat Meatt Biotech. As per the MoU, CMFRI will conduct research on early cell line development of high-value marine fish species, involving the isolation and cultivation of fish cells for further research and development. Additionally, CMFRI will manage genetic, biochemical, and analytical aspects of the project.
Equipped with a cell culture laboratory with essential facilities, the institute provides a solid foundation for research in cellular biology. Neat Meatt, leveraging its expertise in cell culture technology, will spearhead the optimization of cell growth media, development of scaffolds or microcarriers for cell attachment, and the scaling up of production through bioreactors. The start-up will also supply necessary consumables, manpower, and additional equipment required for the project.
The collaboration is seen as a pivotal step in bridging the gap between India and other nations like Singapore, Israel, and the USA, which are already making strides in cultured seafood research. Lab-grown fish holds significant potential for environmental and food security benefits. This partnership combines CMFRI’s marine research expertise with Neat Meatt’s technological know-how, paving the way for a sustainable and secure future for seafood production in India, according to Gopalakrishnan.
