At Solaris, we are deeply passionate about the alternative protein sector and its transformative potential for sustainability in the food industry. Our commitment to a more sustainable future drives us to collaborate with companies, research centers, and universities to pioneer innovative food production methods. At the heart of this effort is fermentation, which plays a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of food production through three distinct processes.
Traditional fermentation leverages microbes to transform plant-based ingredients, as seen in the production of beer, yogurt, and cheese. Biomass fermentation focuses on cultivating microorganisms like filamentous fungi to produce large quantities of protein-rich food efficiently. Finally, precision fermentation uses microbes to generate functional molecules such as heme and fats, creating specialized ingredients like bacterial-derived fat substitutes. All these processes occur within the controlled environment of bioreactors, each with a unique goal of producing sustainable food components.
A key to our success has been supporting clients through every stage of scale-up, from R&D to large scale production. Ensuring seamless, consistent conditions from the lab to large-scale manufacturing—where vessels can hold thousands of liters—is critical to achieving this.
We are also heavily involved in the cultivated meat sector, which presents its own distinct challenges. Cultivating animal stem cells is complex, given their sensitivity to shear forces, lower growth rates compared to microbes, and the high cost of growth media. Despite these challenges, the possibility of delivering real, fresh salmon or premium beef to the global market without harming animals is a powerful motivator.
Our belief in the potential of alternative proteins has driven us to tackle these challenges head-on, fostering numerous collaborations over the past five years. We remain dedicated to advancing sustainable food production and making a lasting impact on the future of the industry.
Can you share some examples of successful collaborations or projects Solaris Biotech has undertaken within the alternative proteins industry? How have your technologies contributed to the development and scaling of these products?
One of our collaborations is with Wildtype on a mission to create the cleanest, most sustainable seafood, starting with sushi-grade salmon. By pioneering cellular agriculture, they aim to protect wild species and our oceans, reversing global food insecurity trends. Wildtype’s seafood offers the same nutritional benefits as wild-caught fish, without contaminants like mercury or microplastics. Annual global seafood consumption is expected to increase an additional 23 million tons by 2030 and one of the most important pieces in the productive infrastructure are the cultivators used to grow cells.
Another collaboration is with an Israeli company revolutionizing honey production by eliminating the need for bees, addressing food safety and environmental concerns while preserving bees’ role as pollinators. Honey’s molecular structure is replicated by using proteins generated through precision fermentation, combined with plant nectar. Solaris supported the R&D phase by providing benchtop bioreactors, showcasing our commitment to innovative collaborations.
We are also working with a food-tech company focusing on cultivated meat, grown directly from animal cells in a controlled environment. This safe, established technology has been refined over 100 years by bioengineers and food scientists. Solaris delivered the pilot bioreactor where the process began, highlighting our role in advancing this groundbreaking field and making high-quality meat accessible without harming animals.
What are some of the most significant innovations Solaris Biotech has introduced recently?
Our significant innovation in the alternative protein sector lies in our ability to facilitate a seamless scale-up process in bioreactors. From R&D to large-scale production, we ensure consistent conditions, maintaining the integrity and quality of the product. By providing advanced bioreactors and fermentors capable of handling thousands of liters, we empower our partners to efficiently produce high-quality alternative proteins. Whether it’s for cultivated meat, precision fermentation, or biomass fermentation, this scalability is essential for making innovative food solutions affordable and accessible, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and secure global food system.
To optimize plant efficiency, we rely on our innovative software platform, Leonardo. Designed for automated bioprocess management, Leonardo streamlines operations. Solaris controlling software complements it, offering a powerful yet straightforward platform for experimental design planning and process control. With an intuitive graphical user interface, operators can easily select and adjust control functions. Our centralized Software Supervisor System oversees the entire plant, running a dedicated version of Leonardo that stores all plant databases. This comprehensive view is accessible from any corporate PC, along with individual machine views.
How do you see the future trends in bioprocessing technology, particularly in relation to alternative proteins and plant-based industries?
The future of bioprocessing technology, especially in the context of alternative proteins and plant-based industries, is set to undergo significant transformations driven by innovations in both science and industry. Here are some key trends to watch:
1. Precision fermentation for alternative proteins
- Scalability and cost reduction: Efforts are intensifying to reduce production costs and scale up fermentation processes to meet the growing demand for sustainable protein alternatives. The challenge lies in improving yields, minimizing contamination risks, and making processes more energy-efficient.
2. Cellular agriculture & cultured meat
- Bioreactor Innovation: The production of cultured meat will rely on advanced bioreactor technologies that can replicate the complex structure and texture of animal tissues. Bioprocessing will focus on scaling these systems to industrial levels, ensuring that cultured meat can compete with conventional meat on both price and quality.
- Growth Media Optimization: A major hurdle in cellular agriculture is the high cost of growth media. Future trends point to more affordable, animal-free growth media, perhaps derived from plant-based or synthetic sources, which will be essential for cost-efficient production.
3. Sustainability & circular bioeconomy
- Upcycling and waste valorization: A key trend is utilizing by-products from plant-based protein production or agricultural waste to create value-added ingredients. Technologies that can convert waste into proteins, biofuels, or even packaging materials will become more prominent as part of a circular economy.
- Energy-efficient processes: There will be an increasing push toward more energy-efficient and lower-emission bioprocessing methods, using renewable energy sources and sustainable feedstocks. Reducing water usage and minimizing carbon footprints will be major focus areas.
4. AI and machine learning in bioprocess optimization
- Process optimization: AI and machine learning are set to revolutionize bioprocessing by optimizing variables like temperature, pH, and nutrient flow in real-time. Predictive modeling can improve batch yields, reduce downtime, and streamline production processes.
- Data-driven r&d: AI will play a significant role in R&D, particularly in identifying optimal strains for fermentation, reducing trial-and-error experiments, and accelerating product development cycles.
Are there any upcoming events, trade shows, or conferences where industry professionals can meet and engage with Solaris Biotech? What can attendees expect to learn or gain from interacting with your team at these events?
Solaris Biotech has a busy schedule of upcoming events and trade shows, offering numerous opportunities for industry professionals to connect and engage. From Asia to Europe, India, China, and the United States, Solaris will be participating in a wide array of shows across different fields of application.
Starting with The Future of Protein Production 2024 in Amsterdam this October, to the MEVO 2025 Annual Meat Evolution Leaders Summit in Singapore, and the World Agri-Tech Exhibition in San Francisco, on March 19-20, attendees will have the chance to explore the latest advancements in protein production, agri-tech, and alternative meats.
Solaris will also be present at the Biologics Conference and Workshop in Goa, Analytica China in Shanghai, the Congrès France Bioproduction, Probiota Global 2025 in Copenhagen, the Pittcon Conference in Boston, and Synbiobeta 2025. Each event will focus on critical areas like biologics, pharma, Biotech, New food, Laboratory instruments, Agro, Cell therapy, Alternative Proteins and synthetic biology.
At these events, attendees can expect hands-on demonstrations at the Solaris booth, showcasing the latest progress in fermentation and bioreactor technologies. Engaging with the Solaris team will provide insights into cutting-edge solutions and innovations that can help drive efficiency and growth in your bioprocesses. Whether you’re looking to discuss your unique challenges or explore new trends, Solaris will offer valuable expertise and resources.
