Developments in cell culture media for cultured meat applications

Publication date: 09/10/2023
Extent: 64 pages

Contributions by: Andrew J. Stout, Tufts University, USA

Chapter synopsis:

Cell culture media is one of the key inputs for cultured meat production. It provides a physiologically favorable environment for cells, nutrients for cell consumption and utilization, and signaling molecules to instruct cell behavior. For all cell culture, media should be optimized towards specific cell types and desired phenotypic outcomes. For cultured meat, media must also be inexpensive, scalable, free of animal-derived components, and generate safe and edible tissues. This chapter presents the historical context for and recent updates in developing animal component-free media for muscle and fat cells—the predominant cell types in meat—in vitro. Specific media formulations are presented with explanation of some of their key components, and current challenges, opportunities, and research directions are discussed.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2023.0130.08