{"id":10681,"date":"2024-03-24T23:57:50","date_gmt":"2024-03-24T23:57:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/generic.wordpress.soton.ac.uk\/uosm2031-2024\/?p=10681"},"modified":"2024-03-25T16:50:39","modified_gmt":"2024-03-25T16:50:39","slug":"harvesting-the-future-unveiling-the-potential-of-stem-cell-cultured-meat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/generic.wordpress.soton.ac.uk\/uosm2031-2024\/2024\/03\/24\/harvesting-the-future-unveiling-the-potential-of-stem-cell-cultured-meat\/","title":{"rendered":"Harvesting the future : Unveiling the potential of stem cell-cultured meat"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Cultured meat tissue created using a 3D printer by Meatech.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Utilising stem cells<\/a> in 3D printing<\/a> technology has opened up a massive amount of potential in regenerative medicine and is rapidly improving. 3D printing using stem cells is being used today to revolutionise the food industry by providing an alternative to regular meat! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I believe the industry holds promise and can provide a highly customizable and slaughter free alternative to conventional meats. While also tackling issues like climate change, gas emissions and food waste.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What is 3D-printed meat?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It is a type of cultured or programmable meat replica made from the process of 3D printing using stem cells, attempting to mimic regular farmed meat at a cellular level. Aiming to recreate the taste, smell and texture of conventionally farmed meat.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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How is 3D printed-cultured meat made?<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

While production does require fat and muscle cells from an animal, no slaughtering of livestock is required. The process utilises stem cells that scientists choose depending on the type of meat desired. These cells then undergo a proliferation process<\/a>, and are bathed in a nutrient dense serum in a climate-controlled bioreactor<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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After several weeks the cells will differentiate into fat and muscle cells that form the bio-ink<\/a>. A robotic arm with a nozzle dispenses the cultured meat filament crafting the meat layer by layer. The arm following instructions using a computer-aided design<\/a> to form the intended structure. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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The product is incubated again allowing the stem cells to further differentiate and mature, the muscle fibres once fully developed will have the right thickness, length and density and after a few more weeks the meat is ready to be cooked and served for consumption!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The video below shows how researchers at Osaka University utilised 3D printing with stem cells isolated from Japanese cattle to make wagyu steak :<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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