The cultured meat revolution: how lab meat could reshape our food future

In the search for more sustainable and ethical ways to meet our meat needs, cultured meat - also known as laboratory or cultured meat - is increasingly in the spotlight. This innovative technology could not only dramatically change the way we consume meat, but also contribute to a better world for both animals and the environment. In this article, we dive deeper into exactly what cultured meat means, the technological breakthroughs behind it, and how it compares to traditional meat. We also leverage the expertise of Tesse, Sensory Panel Leader at Brightlands NovaBite, with a background in nutrition and health, to get a clear picture of the future of cultured meat.

What is cultured meat?

Cultured meat is a product obtained by growing animal cells in a controlled laboratory environment. Instead of breeding and slaughtering animals, a small biopsy is taken from an animal. These cells are then placed in bioreactors, where they are fed and propagated until they form meat similar in texture and taste to traditional meat. This method offers many advantages, both ethical and ecological.

Technological breakthroughs: the foundation of cultured meat

The development of cultured meat requires a number of crucial technological innovations. There are four key developments:

1. Cell biology and stem cell technology: the ability to isolate, cultivate and differentiate animal cells into muscle cells was a crucial step. Stem cell research has made it possible to use cells that can develop and multiply in specific ways.

2. Tissue culture techniques: the development of techniques to grow cells in a 3d structure to give them the right texture and shape was essential. This includes the use of bioreactors and scaffoldings to support cells as they grow. Scaffoldings serve as a base or frame on which cells can grow or to which molecules can attach.

3. Optimization of growth media: creating a nutrient medium that can feed cells without the use of animal serum was a major breakthrough. Animal serum was initially needed, but is costly and ethically problematic. Alternatives based on plant or synthetic components made it possible to grow cells in a more sustainable way.

4. Bioreactor design: advanced bioreactors have been developed to grow cells in a scalable and cost-effective manner. These systems must provide highly controlled environments in which cells can grow and develop.