Advanced Atlantic halibut cell lines

Project aims

The aim of the project is to isolate stem cells from Atlantic halibut and establish continuous suspension-adapted lines. Halibuts are rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, but their numbers are depleting in the natural environment due to overfishing. They are also slow-growing fish, taking a longer time to reach market size compared to other fish species. The demand for this fish is high in global markets, and commercialization of cultivated cells will be advantageous. The optimum conditions for the growth of cells will be established by varying the concentrations of growth factors, vitamins, minerals, and supplements in the cell culture media. A proprietary machine learning algorithm called ALKEMYST will be used for media screening and growth in suspension. The final cell line will be assessed by the consistency of the growth rate, morphology, specific biomarker expression profile, and stability. At the end of two years, the research team expects a fully characterized halibut cell line ready for adaptation to bioreactors and scale up for commercialization. The project will help address global food security issues, ensure sustainability, generate environmental benefits, protect marine environments, and provide a healthy protein alternative rich in omega-3 fatty acids and other essential nutrients.