Simple Planet has announced the development of a serum-free cell culture medium designed for use in cell-based food production, biopharmaceuticals, and regenerative medicine. Created using probiotics recycling technology, the new medium is set for a global launch in 2025.  

By replacing conventional fetal bovine serum (FBS) with probiotics recycling, Simple Planet has addressed the high costs and ethical concerns associated with animal-derived components. According to the company, this innovation can reduce production costs by over 99.8% compared to existing culture media.  

Traditional cell culture media rely on FBS and other animal-based ingredients, leading to high costs and supply chain limitations. However, Simple Planet’s medium, utilizing probiotics recycling, is designed to be applicable to both food and medical industries without the need for expensive recombinant growth factors.  

The new cell culture medium has successfully undergone trials in collaboration with global research institutions and innovation centers. Studies have demonstrated that it enhances myoblast (muscle precursor cell) proliferation while maintaining normal cell morphology, positioning it as a promising alternative to conventional serum-based media.  

Dominic Jeong, co-founder and CEO of Simple Planet stated,  "The reliance on fetal bovine serum (FBS) has long posed cost and ethical challenges. Simple Planet’s fully edible, serum-free medium provides a practical and sustainable solution for large-scale applications across multiple industries."  

Meanwhile, Simple Planet is rapidly expanding its presence in the alternative protein sector. Last year, the company successfully raised $6 million in funding and was also selected for a ₩110 billion ($80 million) South Korean government initiative aimed at advancing food tech innovation.

[Alternative Meat, What's the Alternative?②] Why More Modern Consumers Are Choosing Alternative Meat

Recently, as the world turns its attention to alternative meat, its advantages have also gained significant interest.

First, alternative meat allows for a more sustainable diet while minimizing concerns about environmental pollution. The 2014 Netflix documentary Cowspiracy claimed that methane gas emitted by cows is 86 times more harmful than car exhaust and that in the U.S. alone, 53 tons of livestock waste are produced every second, significantly contributing to ocean pollution. 

There is also analysis suggesting that alternative meat can be a healthier choice. With further advancements in technology, it will not only replicate the taste, texture, and mouthfeel of real meat but also allow for the addition or removal of nutrients based on individual dietary needs.

According to a report from the Korea Consumer Agency comparing the nutritional content of plant-based beef patties, plant-based alternative meat has significantly lower calories, saturated fat, and carbohydrates than conventional meat. Notably, its cholesterol level was recorded as zero.

On the other hand, it contained higher levels of nine essential nutrients, including protein, carbohydrates, polyunsaturated fats, linoleic acid, phenylalanine, calcium, iron, potassium, and magnesium.

The growing number of people preferring plant-based diets is also contributing to the expansion of the alternative meat market. Plant-based meat, which extracts proteins and other nutrients from plant ingredients to mimic the taste and texture of real meat, can be consumed even by strict vegans.

Everyday Foodflation… Time to Expand Sustainable and Affordable Alternative Foods

The global food crisis is becoming a reality. Due to global warming caused by environmental pollution, extreme weather events such as heat waves, heavy snow, and torrential rains are occurring worldwide. As a result, crop yields are declining, leading to the spread of foodflation, affecting not only coffee, sugar, and cocoa but even fruits.

Additionally, rising sea temperatures are causing shifts in marine habitats, threatening the diversity and balance of ocean ecosystems. In South Korea, the domestic catch of squid and mackerel has plummeted, leading to a surge in seafood imports.

Lee Eun-young, an executive director at Samil PwC Management Research Institute, stated, “The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) projects that by 2050, global food production could decrease by up to 30%, while prices could rise by as much as 50%. This serves as a warning that climate change could lead to a full-scale food crisis.”

Lee sees alternative foods as a potential solution to the food crisis brought on by climate change. Alternative foods replace animal-based proteins using plant-based extracts, cell cultivation, and microbial fermentation to replicate the taste and texture of traditional meat, seafood, and dairy products. Compared to conventional food production, alternative foods require fewer resources and can be produced more quickly.

She added, “The alternative food industry is not only a solution to food shortages but also offers personalized dietary options tailored to individual preferences and needs, making it an area of growing interest. With major countries—including the U.S., EU, China, and South Korea—targeting carbon neutrality by 2050, low-carbon alternative foods will continue to attract attention.”

Lee further emphasized, “The alternative food industry has significant growth potential. If government support and corporate investment go hand in hand, the industry can expand rapidly. Given the recent slowdown in global interest due to economic uncertainty, now is the perfect time to close the gap with leading global companies.”

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