Repurposing biomedical muscle tissue engineering for cellular agriculture: challenges and opportunities

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Tissue Engineering
• Food Science

Background:

• Cellular agriculture aims to produce cultivated meat (CM) using tissue engineering principles. Biomedical tissue engineering has focused on regenerative medicine applications. Conventional practices are being adapted for CM production to reduce costs and increase throughput.
• Key differences exist between muscle tissue engineering for biomedical purposes and food applications. Current research and industrial efforts primarily rely on these conventional biomedical strategies for CM.
• The economic, technological, and social viability of applying biomedical tissue engineering practices directly to food production remains a significant challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically compare muscle tissue engineering for biomedical applications versus food production in cellular agriculture.
• To identify the limitations of conventional biomedical tissue engineering strategies when applied to the requirements of cultivated meat production.
• To highlight potential solutions and promising biomanufacturing strategies for advancing cellular agriculture.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of tissue engineering principles and practices.
• Review of existing literature on biomedical tissue engineering and cellular agriculture.
• Identification and discussion of challenges and potential solutions in biomanufacturing for food.

Main Results:

• Biomedical tissue engineering goals (e.g., functional tissue replacement) differ significantly from cellular agriculture goals (e.g., scalable, cost-effective food production).
• Conventional strategies face limitations in cost-effectiveness, scalability, and social acceptance for cultivated meat production.
• Specific biomanufacturing approaches tailored to food production needs show promise for cellular agriculture.

Conclusions:

• Biomedical tissue engineering practices require substantial adaptation for successful cultivated meat production.
• Novel, food-centric biomanufacturing strategies are essential for the economic and technological viability of cellular agriculture.
• Addressing these differences is crucial for the future of sustainable food systems through cellular agriculture.