Meatable is licensing a proprietary technology called, OPTi-OX to develop cell based meat from porcine and bovine induced pluripotent stem cells. OPTi-OX is a form of genetic intervention that converts pluripotent stem cells into any desired cell type. This means that Meatable can take a stem cell sourced from a calf’s umbilical cord and reprogram the cell to turn into a fat or muscle cell — two types of cells that are found in every meat product. The OPTi-OX technology was developed by Dr. Mark Kotter of Cambridge University. Meatable owns an exclusive license to use OPTi-OX for the production of cultured animal cells.

The starting cells that Meatable works with are sourced from calf umbilical cords which are subsequently reprogrammed into pluripotent stem cells (technology pioneered by Shinya Yamanaka who won the 2012 Nobel Prize for his work in induced pluripotent stem cells). The reprogramming works through enabling the activity of specific genes that signal cells to behave like pluripotent stem cells or cells that have the ability to become any desired cell type. After the cells are converted to pluripotent stem cells, then OPTi-OX technology works to forward reprogram the cells into the desired cell type with efficient yields.

Because Meatable works with induced pluripotent stem cells, the cells may be cultured in suspension inside of the bioreactor meaning there is no need for a microcarrier or surface for the cells to attach to during the initial proliferation phase. Removing the need for a microcarrier or another type of adherent structure, Meatable may be able to reduce costs compared to the competition. As the cells proliferate they stick to one another enabling more streamlined harvesting and tissue formation processes. Meatable has also confirmed the use of an edible scaffolding that will be integrated into the end product. The main challenges for Meatable to drive down costs is through optimization of cell proliferation speed which can be improved through refining the cell culture medium.