Proteomics for cultivated meat: the importance of Analytical Standardization

Abstract Cultivated meat production requires robust and validated analytical methods for comprehensive characterization. While transcriptomics-based approaches establish the foundational profile of molecular analysis, proteomics provides additional resolution that further enhances scientific certainty in both product development and safety characterization. However, the industry adoption of proteomics is currently hindered by technical complexity and a critical lack of analytical standardization, which leads to significant workflow-dependent variations in proteome coverage. To address this gap, we investigated the influence of key workflow steps (digestion, cleanup, LC-MS conditions) on the proteome profile of cultivated duck biomass. We compared five bottom-up sample preparation protocols – two traditional in-solution options (urea and SDC-based protocols), two device-based approaches (PreOmics iST and EasyPep kits), and an innovative protocol (SPEED), and demonstrated that device-based protocols offered the highest peptide yield and proteome coverage. However, optimization allowed cost-effective in-solution methods to achieve comparable performance. Specifically, an optimal digestion time of 3 hours at 37°C and the use of polymer-based desalting columns significantly enhanced protein identification (∼4500 - 5000 IDs). Moreover, data independent acquisition (DIA) provided deeper proteome coverage than data dependent acquisition (DDA) with higher precision (∼6500 vs 5000 IDs). The validated Standard Operating Procedures presented here establish a standardized framework for bulk bottom-up proteomics in cultivated meat, facilitating the generation of reliable and comparable data required for robust multi-omics characterization. Graphical abstract Highlights Complexity and non-standardization limit MS-proteomics use in cultivated meat (CM). CM protein profile varies with sample prep, LC-MS, and data processing pipeline. Device-based and optimized cost-effective protocols offer a high proteome coverage. Proteomics can complement transcriptomics for a comprehensive CM characterization. Proposed standardized methods ensure reliable data for future regulatory submissions.