Aseptic Packaging for Cultured Tissue Shelf Life
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional meat packaging methods require sterilization, which is energetically costly, time-consuming, and alters the product's properties, leading to limited shelf life and high waste in the meat industry.
Innovation Solution
Aseptic packaging of cultured tissue is achieved by producing sterile cultured tissue in a bioreactor, transferring it to a sterile package under aseptic conditions, and sealing the package without additional sterilization, using aseptic conditions to maintain sterility and prevent contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sterilization is applied to conventional meat products, then shelf life is extended and contamination is prevented, but energy consumption increases and product properties are altered
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies preliminary sterilization to the bioreactor and packaging materials before the cultured meat is produced and packaged. The bioreactor is sterilized using autoclaving or chemical sterilization, and packaging materials are sterilized separately before use. This preliminary sterilization eliminates the need for post-production sterilization of the meat product itself, thereby extending shelf life without requiring high-energy sterilization processes on the final product.
2Reliability
If sterilization is applied to conventional meat products, then contamination is prevented, but the process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
Sterilization of the bioreactor and packaging materials is performed in advance before the cultured meat production process. The bioreactor undergoes sterilization cycles (autoclaving or chemical sterilization) before cell culture begins, and packaging materials are pre-sterilized. This preliminary action ensures contamination prevention throughout the production and storage phases without requiring time-consuming sterilization steps after product formation.
3Reliability
If heat treatment is applied to sterilize meat, then sterility is achieved, but the fresh properties of the meat are irreversibly changed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention achieves sterility through preliminary sterilization of the bioreactor environment and packaging materials before the cultured meat is produced and packaged. The bioreactor is sterilized using autoclaving or chemical agents before cell culture, and packaging is pre-sterilized. The cultured meat itself is never subjected to heat treatment or sterilization processes that would alter its fresh properties, as sterility is maintained through controlled aseptic production and packaging.
4Loss of substance
If conventional meat is packaged with limited shelf life, then product waste is high, but extending shelf life requires sterilization which alters product properties
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extends shelf life by implementing preliminary sterilization of the bioreactor and packaging materials before cultured meat production. The bioreactor undergoes thorough sterilization (autoclaving or chemical sterilization) before cell culture begins, and packaging materials are pre-sterilized. This creates a sterile environment that prevents contamination during production and storage, extending shelf life to over 60 days without requiring post-production heat treatment or sterilization that would alter the meat's fresh properties.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is in the field of cultured meat. In particular the invention is related to a method for aseptic packaging of cultured tissue and a system suitable for this method. The method comprises the steps of producing the cultured tissue, harvesting the cultured tissue, transferring the cultured tissue to a sterile package and sealing the sterile package, wherein all steps are executed under aseptic conditions.