CellTec Systems
Pioneering Sustainable Cell Culture for Tomorrow’s Industries

The traction that lab-grown meat has gained in the past few years is nothing short of overwhelming. Rising consumer interest and a supportive regulatory environment suggest that cultivated meat has the potential to change the face of the food industry, addressing critical environmental, ethical, and health concerns. But making it mainstream requires efficient cell propagation at an industrial scale—which is anything but easy.

“Cell culture can be applied in numerous fields such as vaccine production, pharmacological and cosmetic testing, and the popular pursuit of alternative protein sources like cultivated meat,” says Dr. Teresa Buck, head of cell innovations, CellTec Systems.

Most cells, over 95 percent, grow adherently on some type of surface, typically in a monolayer. This limits production to an ultra-thin layer—the more cells needed, the larger the required surface area. For example, to produce a 300-gm steak, which would require more than 300 million cells, one would need a surface area exceeding half a football field.

To address this, a three-dimensional growth surface that does not interfere with subsequent applications is needed. While using microcarriers with numerous small two-dimensional surfaces in a suspension bioreactor is an option, removing these carriers can be challenging.

The Confluence of Innovation and Practicality

A spin-off from Fraunhofer-Institute and the University of Lübeck, CellTec Systems has taken the responsibility of addressing this issue. Driven by the mission of facilitating the 5th industrial revolution based on animal cells, the biotechnology research company utilizes three-dimensional hydrogels, which provide a growth structure and compatibility with suspension bioreactors.

The hydrogel technology creates a protected microenvironment that supports cell proliferation and shields cells from shear forces. This environment potentially reduces the necessity for growth factors, offering a more efficient approach to cell cultivation.

“This new bioreactor technique is at the innovative core of CellTec Systems. However, as cell biologists, we believe that this challenge must be approached holistically. We aim to act as a system provider, offering a portfolio that covers the entire process from cell isolation to industrial-scale cell proliferation.

This is crucial to increase cell density and reduce both production costs and ecological impact,” says Buck.

The company’s role as a full-service provider encompasses the entire workflow of industrial cell proliferation. It offers solutions for a variety of applications, including:
• Mass cell production for cultivated meat.
• High-density cultivation of both existing and newly established cell lines to produce vaccines, proteins, and antibodies.
• Development of biological test systems for the chemical and cosmetics industries, which require large quantities of cells.
• Provision of highly proliferative, standardized cell cultures from a diverse range of species and organs tailored to specific needs.

Presently, CellTec Systems provides a diverse range of over 60 high-quality cell types from almost 30 different species. These cells exhibit high proliferative capacity and multipotency, allowing for the production of various cell types. Starting from a single cell weighing approximately two nanograms, the cell mass can surpass 1 ton after 50 cell doublings—a minimum requirement for their cell lines. However, acquiring cells and developing successful cell lines, especially for certain species, pose significant challenges. This comprehensive approach, encompassing the entire workflow from biopsy to production, stands as a distinctive feature in the European market.

Tapping the Potential of Cultivated Meat

The rapid growth rate of industrially cultivatable cells is astounding. For example, CellTec Systems' highly proliferative rabbit cells, with a doubling time of just 12 hours, grow four times faster than the average animal cell. It would take only 25 days, less than four weeks, to grow one ton of cell mass from a single cell. This is significantly quicker compared to the growth rate of conventionally farmed beef, pork, or chicken.

The potential of cultivated meat is remarkable in terms of environmental benefits. If realized, it could substantially reduce land use, water consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions and achieve far greater efficiency. The production could be located directly in areas with high population density. Consequently, this would greatly reduce freight traffic.

From an animal welfare perspective, the impact is also significant. A single biopsy can yield over 100,000 cells, making it remarkable how much cell mass could be derived from a small piece of ear tag waste.

However, the large-scale mass production of cultivated meat has numerous prerequisites and may take many years to become a viable alternative to conventional food. In other sectors, the application of industrial cell proliferation is likely to reach the market much sooner.

Shaping the Future of Biotechnology

Despite being a relatively new entrant in the market, CellTec Systems' dedication to ongoing research in industrial cell technology demonstrates its commitment to developing scientific knowledge.

The company’s holistic approach, innovative methods, and commitment to sustainability redefine the possibilities of cell culture applications. Continuing its journey forward, the company intends to shape the future of biotechnology and pave the way for a more sustainable and ethical world.

At CellTec Systems, maximum flexibility in addressing the unique needs of customers is a top priority. This encompasses various options, such as selecting the animal for biopsy, specifying the organ, choosing the isolation method, and meeting other specific requirements.

The process typically initiates with a comprehensive assessment of the client's requirements. Following this evaluation, a customized process flow is established, which CellTec Systems manages. The initial case studies are anticipated to be available by the end of 2024, coinciding with the commencement of the company's first projects in the spring of 2024.

Underscoring the Transformative Potential of Cultivated Meat

The potential of cultivated meat presents a groundbreaking opportunity for addressing various global challenges. Beyond the environmental implications, the cultivation of meat also underscores a substantial shift in animal welfare paradigms. The ability to generate an impressive amount of cell mass from a minute portion of ear tag waste showcases a promising avenue that minimizes the need for traditional livestock-rearing methods.

CellTec Systems stands at the convergence of these factors and underscores the transformative potential of cultivated meat, offering a glimpse into a future where sustainability, resource efficiency, and animal welfare intersect in a revolutionary manner. As the company’s technology continues to progress, it holds the promise of reshaping the food industry and fostering a more sustainable and ethical approach to meat production.