Integrative multi-omics modelling for cultivated meat production, quality, and safety

Cell culture technology, which offers a promising solution for complementary food production, is slowly becoming a reality with the first wave of regulatory approvals in pioneering markets. However, significant challenges remain for large-scale cultivated meat commercialization, including effective scaling, cost efficiency, and product quality, but also scientific evidence to support regulatory approval and building consumer trust. In this paper, we discuss the potential of an integrative multi-omics approach to characterize and optimize cultivated meat production. By analyzing a network-based interactome model that integrates the transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic layers, we achieve a system-level understanding of cellular metabolism and regulatory mechanisms. This approach can allow for precise monitoring and targeted interventions of critical quality and safety attributes associated with cellular biomass. We then describe a Target-Action-Metabolite (TAM) framework, which utilizes insights from the interactome to optimize cell culture conditions through actionable interventions. We illustrate the potential use of this framework through a case study involving Duck Embryonic Stem Cells (dESCs) for use in cell-cultured meat products, providing hypotheses for improving key metabolic pathways through targeted interventions on metabolites present in culture media. Finally, our paper highlights the potential of this interactome-based strategy to enhance bioprocess efficiency, improve product quality and ensure safety attributes, addressing regulatory challenges associated with cultivated meat production.