BSF Enterprise and Sartorius partner to boost biotech sustainability and efficiency

BSF Enterprise (BSFE), through its subsidiary 3D Bio-Tissues (3DBT), has announced a partnership with Sartorius, a global leader in bioprocess solutions. The two companies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to drive cost-effective and sustainable innovations in the biotechnology landscape, with a focus on alternative proteins and lab-grown materials.

This strategic collaboration aims to leverage 3DBT’s cutting-edge technologies, including scaffold-free tissue-engineered materials and patented macromolecular crowders, alongside Sartorius' expertise in bioprocessing and scaling up production. Together, they seek to develop methods that optimize efficiency and sustainability in the production of cells and tissues, marking a significant step forward for the biotech sector.

3DBT has emerged as an innovator in the field of biotechnology, particularly in developing solutions for the alternative protein and biopharma industries. Among its flagship technologies are macromolecular crowders marketed as City-Mix and CytoBoost, which act as chemically defined, bio-inert additives to improve cell growth and behavior. These additives minimize the reliance on costly growth factors and animal serum in cell culture media, thereby reducing costs and enhancing the sustainability of production processes.

City-Mix is tailored for the alternative protein industry, providing a scalable solution for lab-grown meat production. CytoBoost, meanwhile, addresses the biopharma sector by optimizing cell growth for therapeutic applications. Both products align with the broader industry goals of balancing cost-efficiency with environmental responsibility, making them highly attractive for large-scale production.

The partnership with Sartorius is designed to amplify the impact of these innovations. Sartorius, known for its comprehensive bioprocessing expertise, will support 3DBT with advanced cell culture platforms, equipment, and technical know-how. This includes bioreactor technology, process optimization tools, and sustainable production strategies that complement 3DBT’s macromolecular crowders.

The primary objective is to jointly develop large-scale, cost-effective methods for producing cells and tissues used in lab-grown meat and leather over the next 12 months. By combining their strengths, the companies aim to address key industry challenges such as scalability, affordability, and resource efficiency.

Dr Che Connon, Managing Director of BSF Enterprise, highlighted the importance of this collaboration. “Partnering with Sartorius is a pivotal moment for us. Their expertise extends beyond bioreactor technology to encompass advanced equipment, innovative software solutions, process optimization, and scaling up. They are also skilled in the large-scale development and production of raw materials, including cell culture media, growth factors, and cytokines. Combined with our innovative macromolecular crowder additives, this opens the door to cost-effective, sustainable production solutions for the alternative protein and lab-grown leather industries. This partnership has the potential to be a game-changer in achieving scalability at reduced costs.”

Dr Érica Schulze, Business Development Manager at Sartorius, emphasized the alignment of values between the two companies. “Sartorius excels in developing cutting-edge products and optimizing processes across various industries. Our commitment to sustainability drives us to optimize resource use and minimize waste, following circular economy principles. This dedication to innovation and sustainable bioprocessing aligns perfectly with our partnership goals.”

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to advancing alternative protein technology and sustainability. By combining 3DBT’s novel technologies with Sartorius’ bioprocessing expertise, the companies are poised to make significant strides in reducing the cost and environmental footprint of lab-grown products.