The BioDesign Newsletter

Issue #022

The Parallels Of A Hamburger And A Handbag

At first glance, fashion and food may seem worlds apart. But when it comes to sustainability, they have both taken a similar path. 

Cellular agriculture (a.k.a the alternative proteins or lab-grown meat industry) offers an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional meat production, while the fashion world is looking to biomaterials to reduce its environmental footprint.

The development of cellular agriculture and biomaterials is driven by a common goal to create more sustainable solutions. To reach these solutions both sectors have been influenced by progress in synthetic biology, working and manipulating nature to produce desired products, whether that be hamburgers or handbags. 

However, the parallels don't stop there, as with all new products and technologies, there are hurdles to be overcome. For both cellular agriculture and biomaterials those include creating a product that is desirable, affordable and, publicly accepted.

Is An Investment In One, An Investment For The Other?

Synthetic biology is an expensive field to be involved in. The cost of materials, equipment and expertise is enough to make your heart race and eyes water. But the hope, is that it's all worth it.

With a prediction that the cellular agriculture industry could be worth £6.8 B by 2035, the UKRI have invested £15 M in a National Alternative Protein Innovation Centre (NAPIC). The goal of the centre is to foster innovation and commercialisation of the alternative proteins industry. Professor Anwesha Sarkar, (Project Leader for NAPIC) explained, 

Two Birds, One Stone? 

From an objective perspective, you may think this investment is unrelated to the world of biomaterials. However, the unlikely links and challenges shared by the biomaterials and cellular agriculture industry, allow for translating knowledge between the two sectors. 

As both sectors develop their research regarding influencing the texture of meat or material, the exchange of knowledge will help both sectors in creating desirable products. Commercial and industrial partnerships will strengthen the battle surrounding scalability and cost. Meanwhile, collaborations with policymakers and improved communications with potential consumers will address the concerns of public opinion surrounding new products stemming from a lab.

Cross-Industry Synergies

Collaboration is a word often associated with driving innovation but how far apart are the nodes really for the majority of partnerships? It is undeniable that synthetic biology has a big role in creating a sustainable future. As various sectors utilise the tools biotechnology has to offer, there are more lessons to be learnt and shared. Industries, which may initially seem abstract from one another can provide cautionary tales and blueprints for one another, speeding up the journey to a sustainable future.

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