South Korea-based alternative protein company Simple Planet has announced the development of a patented, serum-free cell culture medium designed for use in cell-based food production, biopharmaceuticals, and regenerative medicine. The medium, created through probiotics recycling, is expected to launch globally in 2025.
“The reliance on fetal bovine serum has long posed cost and ethical challenges for scaling cell-based technologies”
According to the company, the formulation could reduce production costs by over 99.8% compared to conventional media. By replacing fetal bovine serum (FBS) with probiotics-derived metabolites, the medium eliminates ethical concerns and the high costs associated with animal-derived components.
Successful trials & enhanced cell growth
The new cell culture medium has undergone successful trials in collaboration with global research institutions and innovation centers. Testing has demonstrated that the formulation enhances myoblast cell proliferation while maintaining normal cell morphology, positioning it as a potential alternative to traditional serum-based media.
“The reliance on fetal bovine serum (FBS) has long posed cost and ethical challenges for scaling cell-based technologies,” said Dominic Jeong, co-founder and CEO of Simple Planet. “Our fully edible, serum-free medium offers a practical and sustainable solution for large-scale applications across multiple industries.”
In addition to the general-use medium, the company has developed specialized formulations tailored to specific cell types. This includes a bovine myoblast-specific medium designed to optimize performance while maintaining a lower cost.
Simple Planet has been expanding its presence in the alternative protein sector. Last year, the company raised $6 million in an oversubscribed funding round. It was also selected to participate in an ₩11 billion South Korean government initiative aimed at advancing food technology innovation.
Addressing challenges in cell culture media
Conventional cell culture media depend on FBS and other animal-derived ingredients, which contribute to high production costs and supply chain limitations. By recycling probiotics, Simple Planet’s medium aims to eliminate the need for costly recombinant growth factors while ensuring compatibility with both food and medical applications.
“We are committed to making cell culture technology more accessible and cost-effective. We create solutions that accelerate real-world adoption across industries by focusing on scalability, safety, and regulatory alignment,” Jeong stated.
