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Tissue Engineering Challenges for Cultivated Meat to Meet the Real Demand of a Global Market

Summary

This research explores the development of lab-grown meat, known as cultivated meat, which could revolutionize how we produce protein for human consumption. The technology involves growing animal cells in controlled laboratory conditions to create meat products without the need for animal slaughter. Impacts on everyday life: – Potential reduction in environmental impact from traditional livestock farming – New meat alternatives that could be more ethical and sustainable – Possible decrease in foodborne illnesses associated with conventional meat production – Greater food security through localized meat production – Potential for customized meat products with enhanced nutritional profiles

Background

Cultivated meat (CM) technology has emerged as a potential solution to address environmental, health and ethical issues associated with conventional meat production. The global demand for meat products has led to increased interest in biotechnological improvements for the CM production chain. This technology is based on cellular agriculture and tissue engineering principles, requiring careful consideration of cell sources, cultivation media, and structural development.

Objective

To provide a comprehensive review of the current challenges and technological aspects of cultivated meat production, including cultivation processes, cell sources, medium requirements, consumer acceptance, scalability, safety, reproducibility, and 3D modeling techniques. The review aims to deliver a broad overview of the CM field and provide updated information for stakeholders interested in this multidisciplinary technology.

Results

The review identified several key challenges in CM production, including the need for animal-free culture media, scalable production methods, and improved 3D tissue structures. Current technologies show promise but require further development for commercial viability. Singapore remains the only country with regulatory approval for CM products. The global market has seen exponential growth in investments, with multiple companies emerging across different countries. Various assembly methods including cell layering, spinning, and 3D bioprinting show potential for creating structured meat products.

Conclusion

While cultivated meat technology shows significant promise, several technical and economic challenges must be overcome before widespread commercialization is possible. These include scaling up production, reducing costs, obtaining regulatory approvals, and achieving consumer acceptance. The industry is expected to grow with continued investment and technological advancement, though initial products will likely be limited to unstructured formats like burgers and nuggets rather than complex cuts of meat.
  • Published in:International Journal of Molecular Sciences,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: 10.3390/ijms24076033
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