CMFRI Kochi Breaks Ground: Pioneering Lab-Grown Fish Meat Development in India
In a groundbreaking initiative, the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) in Kochi, Kerala, has embarked on a pioneering venture to develop laboratory-grown fish meat for the first time in India. This strategic move aims to position India as a key player in the field of cultured marine fish meat, addressing the surging demand for seafood while alleviating the mounting pressure on marine resources.
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| For the first time in India, CMFRI Kochi will develop fish meat in laboratory. |
A Novel Approach to Sustainable Seafood
The project, initiated by CMFRI, signifies a crucial step towards sustainable seafood production. Faced with the challenge of meeting the ever-growing demand for fish while preserving marine ecosystems, the laboratory-grown fish meat holds the promise of providing a viable solution. This innovative approach is set to revolutionize the way we perceive and consume seafood.
Public-Private Collaboration: CMFRI and Neat Meat Biotech Join Forces
CMFRI has joined forces with Neat Meat Biotech, a pioneering start-up specializing in meat development, under a collaborative research agreement. This public-private partnership marks a significant collaboration between research institutions and innovative enterprises, aiming to drive progress in the field of cultured fish meat.
Paving the Way for Lab-Grown Excellence
CMFRI Director A Gopalakrishnan and Neat Meat Biotech Co-Founder and CEO Sandeep Sharma formalized this partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The collaborative effort involves the development of cultured fish meat, produced by isolating specific cells from fish and cultivating them in a laboratory environment free of animal components.
Replicating Nature: Taste, Texture, and Nutrition
The ultimate goal of this venture is to replicate the original taste, texture, and nutritional properties of fish through lab-grown alternatives. This innovative process involves isolating and growing fish cells in a controlled environment, ensuring that the final product mirrors the essence of its marine counterpart.
High-Value Marine Fishes Take Center Stage
In its initial phase, the project focuses on developing cell-based meat from high-value marine fishes, including kingfish, pomfret, and sear fish. CMFRI, as part of the MoU, will lead the research on preliminary cell line development, encompassing the isolation and growth of fish cells for further exploration.
Research Expertise and Technological Foundation
CMFRI brings its wealth of research expertise to the table, handling genetic, biochemical, and analytical aspects of the project. Equipped with a state-of-the-art cell culture laboratory, the institute provides a robust foundation for research in cellular biology, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of this groundbreaking field.
Neat Meat Biotech: Leading Innovation in Cell Culture Technology
On the other hand, Neat Meat Biotech, with its specialized knowledge 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.
In conclusion, the CMFRI Kochi's initiative to develop lab-grown fish meat is a testament to India's commitment to innovation in sustainable practices. As the collaboration with Neat Meat Biotech takes center stage, the journey towards creating a sustainable and ethical alternative to conventional seafood gains momentum.
