Biofabricated bacterial cellulose microcarriers for cultured meat applications

The development of efficient and scalable microcarriers is critical for the commercialization of cultured meat. In this study, we developed bacterial cellulose (BC) microcarriers using a biofabrication approach, where Acetobacter xylinum was encapsulated in calcium alginate microspheres to produce structured BC microspheres. Surface modification with chitosan significantly improved cell adhesion, supporting the proliferation of chicken skeletal muscle cells (CSM) and adipogenic transdifferentiation of DF-1 fibroblasts. Co-culture experiments demonstrated enhanced proliferation and differentiation of CSM cells due to extracellular matrix deposition and soluble factors secreted by DF-1 fibroblasts. These microcarriers were used to construct cultured chicken meatballs by combining differentiated muscle and adipose microtissues. The inclusion of fat microtissues improved the sensory and textural properties of cultured meatballs, mimicking those of natural chicken meatballs. This study highlights the potential of biofabricated BC microcarriers as a scalable, non-animal-derived platform for cultured meat production, providing a pathway to cost-effective and sustainable alternative protein sources.