Cultivated Prolific Machines’ founders Declan Jones, Max Huisman, Deniz Kent. PUTTING LIGHT TO WORK To program cells to grow using light, Prolific Machines relies on a three-part system: genetics, hardware and software. First, Prolific Machines genetically engineers cells that respond to light. “We basically take light sensitive pro-teins and tether them to targets inside the cell using an amino acid linker,” Kent explains. “Once the protein is in place, you can toggle the activity of that target on and off using light.” This gives the company a high degree of control over cell metabolism A light array provides the fuel for cellular growth and other growth processes within cells. Then, by precisely manipulat-ing where and when light is directed, Prolific Machines can optimize these growth processes for maximum output. Prolific Machines uses unmodified light-sensitive proteins naturally oc-curring in plants. These same proteins make houseplants grow toward a sunny Alt-Meat August 2025 19
Alt-Meat August 2025: Page 19
