Can cell-cultured meat from stem cells pave the way for sustainable alternative protein?

Author(s)

Nunes, Octavio Bignardi da Silva ; Buranello, Tiago Willian ; Farias, Fabiana de Andrade ; Rosero, Jenyffer ; Recchia, Kaiana ; Bressan, Fabiana Fernandes

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: CURRENT RESEARCH IN FOOD SCIENCE; v. 10, p. 12-pg., 2025-01-01.

Abstract

As the global population grows, the demand for food and animal-derived products rises significantly, posing a notable challenge to the progress of society in general. Alternative protein production may adequately address such a challenge, and cell-based meat production emerges as a promising solution. This review investigates methodologies for in vitro myogenesis and adipogenesis from stem cells (adult, embryonic, or induced pluripotent stem cells- iPSCs) across different animal species, as well as the remaining challenges for scalability, the possibility of genetic modification, along with safety concerns regarding the commercialization of cell-cultured meat. Regarding such complexities, interdisciplinary approaches will be vital for assessing the potential of cell-cultured meat as a sustainable protein source, mimicking the sensory and nutritional attributes of conventional livestock meat whilst meeting the demands of a growing global population while mitigating environmental impacts. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 24/19758-5 - Generation of muscle cells in vitro from induced pluripotent stem cells in bovine species
• Grantee: Tiago William Buranello
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• FAPESP's process: 23/16931-5 - Reprogramming of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fibroblasts into induced pluripotency cells
• Grantee: Fabiana de Andrade Farias
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• FAPESP's process: 23/00480-4 - Differentiation of porcine iPS cells (Sus domesticus) and embryoid bodies derived from them into osteogenic, adipogenic and chondrogenic cells
• Grantee: Octavio Bignardi da Silva Nunes
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation