Edible Membrane Technology at Focus: Merck Offshoot Betting on Innovation to Manufacture Whole-Cut Cultivated Meat
EdiMembre, a new Massachusetts-based startup, is making waves in the alternative protein industry with its groundbreaking technology, CraftRidge. This patent-protected edible hollow fibre bioreactor is designed to grow structured whole-cut cultivated meat at scale, alleviating the capital expenditure burden for the industry while solving the harvest and whole-cut formation challenges.
Co-founder and CSO Ryan Sylvia explains that EdiMembre utilizes a patented phase-inversion approach to form micro- and nanoporous membranes from legume protein isolates. The startup has demonstrated membranes with several off-the-shelf legume protein isolates, with soy, mung, or lentil-derived options preferred most. These isolates can result in pasta with plant protein content higher than 80%, well above the market standard of 15-40%.
EdiMembre's flagship technology is already attracting attention, with the startup forging new partnerships that multiply its existing capabilities and create early revenue opportunities. Notable among these partnerships is Cellular Agriculture Ltd., a company focused on modular bioreactor systems, which was an early investor in EdiMembre.
The startup is planning to raise $5M in its seed round, which will be directed at building out the full pilot machine, advancing patent applications, and continuing to build out a world-class team. With the funds, EdiMembre will improve its edible hollow fibre spinning process at the benchtop scale and develop plans to make its manufacturing commercially relevant.
Timothy Ryan Olsen, the co-founder and CEO, notes that the startup will be building its beta pilot machine at the Atlas Commercial Kitchen in Woburn, Massachusetts. EdiMembre is anticipating opportunistic commercial opportunities for protein pasta via licensing of its manufacturing capabilities.
Despite a recent dip in funding for alternative proteins, EdiMembre is optimistic about the future. The startup is planning to have the first version of a 1kg device, the first 'usable' device for making significant quantities of structured cultured meat, by the end of 2025. EdiMembre is also working to demonstrate a bioprocess run at the 1kg scale to produce structured whole-cut meat.
EdiMembre has raised $400,000 in pre-seed investment from Siddhi Capital, Replicator VC, Meach Cove Capital, and Cellular Agriculture Ltd, among others. The startup, which has spun out from MilliporeSigma, the US life sciences arm of Germany's Merck Group, has an exclusive licence to commercialize its edible membrane platform.
In the face of regulatory challenges, such as the seven states in the US that have banned alternative proteins, EdiMembre remains undeterred. The startup is committed to enabling scalable manufacturing for future food companies using hollow fibre membrane technology, positioning itself as a key player in the rapidly evolving alternative protein market.
Read also:
- Understanding Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis: Key Facts
- Stopping Osteoporosis Treatment: Timeline Considerations
- Tobacco industry's suggested changes on a legislative modification are disregarded by health journalists
- Expanded Community Health Involvement by CK Birla Hospitals, Jaipur, Maintained Through Consistent Outreach Programs Across Rajasthan
