The Israel-based food tech startup BioBetter has launched its first food-grade pilot plant using innovative tobacco technology. BioBetter claims that a genetically modified tobacco plant can be used as an animal-free bioreactor to produce muscle tissue in cultivated products. This specific technology could help prevent the production of transgenic or carcinogenic materials while reducing production costs.
“Cultivated meat is still very expensive in comparison to conventional meat, and the key is to reduce the growth medium costs to a minimum. Our target is to reduce the production cost of growth factors, including insulin, a key part of the growth medium, to $1 per gram, which is 100 times less than the going rate today.” - explained Amit Yaari, CEO at BioBetter.
The start-up estimates that the newly opened facility will enable the processing of approximately 100 kilograms of tobacco plant-derived growth factors daily. The production of cultured meat on this scale could help minimize greenhouse gasses and reduce the energy and water resources needed, especially compared to the conventional alternative.
“Our holistic approach not only underscores our commitment to safety and environmental responsibility but also streamlines regulatory processes. We plan to use recycled and low-quality water for irrigation, minimize nitrogen fertilizer use, and reduce emissions and environmental impact.” - said Dana Yarden, Co-founder of BioBetter.
Last year BioBetter successfully secured $10 million of investment in tobacco technology. In addition, the FoodTech start-up is also a valued member of the Israeli Cultivated Meat Consortium, which unites research institutions and businesses to advance the field of cultivated meat cooperatively.
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