scaffolding

Nicole Kleger (L), Anna Bünter, and Simona Fehlmann - Image cortesy of Sallea
Investments & Finance

Women-Led Startup Sallea Secures $2.6M to Advance Plant-Based Scaffolds for Cultivated Meat Whole Cuts

Zurich-based Sallea, a startup developing edible, food-grade, plant-based scaffolds for the cell ag industry, announces it has raised $2.6 million in a pre-seed funding round. Founderful, Switzerland’s leading pre-seed fund, led the round, joined by Kost Capital, a VC focused on sustainable food systems. The round follows $1.8 million in non-dilutive funding previously secured through research and startup grants. Sallea was founded in November 2023 by an all-female team, including Dr. Nicole Kleger (CTO), Simona Fehlmann (CEO), and Anna Bünter (CCO). The funding aims to accelerate its proprietary scaffolding technology, which promises to improve the texture and nutritional profile of cultivated meat and accelerate the introduction of whole cuts. Additionally, Sallea plans to upgrade production capacity and initiate pilot projects with cultivated meat companies. Antonia Albert, …

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Hand arranging sugar cubes as a metaphor for increasing sugar consumption or dietary control.

© Irina Ukrainets - stock.adobe.com
Science

NUS Researchers Use Sugar Cubes for Cheap, Scalable Production of Rye Scaffolds for Cultivated Meat

Large-scale production of edible scaffolds and effective culturing methods for fat tissues — both crucial for replicating the texture, flavor, and nutritional value of meat — remain a technical challenge for the commercialization of cultivated meat. Scaffolds provide structural support for cells to multiply and develop into tissues. But they are typically made from synthetic or animal-based materials, which are expensive and inedible. But a research team led by Professor Huang Dejian from the National University of Singapore (NUS) has successfully cultured pork fat using a new kind of plant protein scaffold. The scientists identified secalin, a protein extracted from rye and barley, both common crops, as a suitable source to create edible scaffolds. They then developed a template-leaching method for creating sponge-like scaffolds using …

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CytoNest Inc., a startup from the University of Georgia, has released its first commercial product, the CytoSurge 3D fiber scaffold.

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Ingredients

CytoNest Unveils Edible 3D Scaffold for Cultivated Meat & Seafood

CytoNest Inc., a startup from the University of Georgia, has released its first commercial product, the CytoSurge 3D fiber scaffold. The new scaffold is an edible, fiber-based structure made from generally recognized as safe (GRAS) materials. Safe for use with living tissues, it has various applications, including cell research, biopharmaceuticals, cell therapeutics, and cultivated meat and seafood. CytoSurge 3D features ultra-long strands made with CytoNest’s proprietary fiber drawing technology capable of creating ultra-long fibers that are fused or overlaid to create a multilayered, 3D scaffold for cell cultures to attach and grow. Revolutionizing whole cuts According to CytoNest, the scaffold mimics the natural structure of meat, the extracellular matrix (ECM), and allows for nutrient flow, a feature crucial for industrial-scale production. It supports cells’ growth …

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Researchers from Singapore have successfully developed a promising cultivated meat prototype  by co-culturing porcine muscle and fat cells in a decellularised asparagus scaffold.

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Cultivated, Cell-Cultured & Biotechnology

Researchers Develop Promising Cultivated Meat Prototype Using Decellularised Asparagus Scaffold

Researchers from Singapore have successfully developed a promising cultivated meat prototype by co-culturing porcine muscle and fat cells in a decellularised asparagus scaffold. The prototype development was part of a study aiming to expand the use of decellularized plant scaffolds beyond regenerative medicine, specifically for cultivated meat production. According to the researchers, this prototype closely mimics conventional meat in texture and flavor and could pave the way for large-scale cultivated meat biomanufacturing. Plant-based edible scaffolds offer essential physical and biological support for tissue development, enabling more complex cultivated meat products with structure and volume. Still, the plant cells of these scaffolds need to be removed in a lengthy process called decellularisation to preserve only the microstructure that mimics the extracellular matrix (the natural structure of animal tissue). The …

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Cell scaffolding at NUS

© National University of Singapore
Cultivated, Cell-Cultured & Biotechnology

A Deep Dive into the Role of 3D Scaffolds as the Building Blocks for Cultivated Meat

In addition to scaling and cost hurdles, cultivated meat production faces the unique challenge of developing final products that meet the consumer’s expectations of conventional animal-based meat, including larger pieces akin to whole cuts. However, most prototypes are made from ground meat and do not look exactly like whole cuts. Why is this the case? 3D scaffolds Companies in the space are experimenting with 3D structures or scaffolds to recreate the structure and taste of animal tissue to make complex products such as steaks, filets, and even burgers. In animals, the extracellular matrix (ECM), a structure made of proteins and carbohydrates, supports the cells and guides them in their growth journey: differentiation and tissue development to make the different organs and body parts. Scaffolds for …

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Cultivated Meat

Study: Non-Allergenic Wheat Protein Could Act as a Scaffold for Cultivated Meat

A study published in the journal ACS Biomaterials & Engineering has investigated the potential of glutenin — a non-allergenic wheat protein — to act as a scaffold for cultivated meat production. Researchers isolated glutenin from gluten, before forming it into flat and ridge-patterned films. Mouse cells that develop into skeletal muscle were then placed on the films and incubated for two weeks. Cells successfully grew and proliferated on both films. By the second week, they had formed long parallel bundles replicating the fiber structure of muscles. The performance was not as good as gelatin-based films, but was considered sufficient. Further work could improve how cells attach to the plant-based films. Another test was carried out with mouse cells that produce fat tissues. These also proliferated …

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Big Idea Ventures (BIV) launches Nexture Bio, Inc., a new player in biomaterial technologies developing scaffoldings to create whole-cut cultivated products.

© Big Idea Ventures
Cultivated Meat

Nexture Bio Enters US Market to Pioneer Scaffoldings for Cultivated Whole-Cuts

Big Idea Ventures (BIV) announces the launch of Nexture Bio, Inc., a new biomaterial company developing novel scaffoldings for whole-cut products and other technologies to support the cultivated meat industry. Nexture Bio is the third company launched by BIV’s Generation Food Rural Partners Fund (GFRP), an RBIC-licensed investment fund that collaborates with universities across the US to commercialize intellectual property innovations in food, protein, and agriculture. Its focus is to create new companies to provide growth capital to small businesses in rural areas of the country. GFRP’s new biomaterials company will use intellectual property licensed from various universities to develop solutions to enhance the taste and texture of cultivated meat products.  “Our fund’s mandate is to create companies that provide solutions to the most challenging areas in Food and Agriculture. …

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ProFuse Technology and Gelatex have partnered to advance cultivated meat production.

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Cultivated, Cell-Cultured & Biotechnology

ProFuse Technology and Gelatex to Expedite Cultivated Meat by Enhancing Muscle Growth 

Israeli biotech ProFuse Technology, a firm at the forefront of muscle tissue growth, and Gelatex Technologies, an Estonian materials technology company specializing in nanofibers, have partnered to advance cultivated meat production. The companies have announced that they have been working on a comprehensive solution for optimizing muscle growth that will expand production capacity and expedite the commercial viability of cultivated meat. Using a media supplement developed by ProFuse and Gelatex’s plant-based scaffolds, the companies claim to have reduced the average cycle of chicken muscle growth in just 48 hours and a fivefold increase in muscle protein compared to conventional methods of muscle growth. Guy Nevo Michrowski, CEO of ProFuse Technology, said, “By innovating through collaboration, we are assisting in reshaping the future of meat production. Together, Profuse and Gelatex …

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Myodenovo aims to grows cultivated meat using plant-based scaffolds

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Cultivated Meat

ProFuse Technology Unveils Innovation That Enables 48-Hour Cultivated Meat Growth

Israeli biotech ProFuse Technology, a company at the forefront of muscle tissue growth, announces a tech breakthrough that it claims will mark a new era of cultivated meat production. According to the company, it has developed a scaffolding 3D growth technology that, along with its cell culture media and growth protocols, can accelerate muscle growth time fivefold. ProFuse Technology claims this advancement allows cultivated meat production within 48 hours, reducing the usual time by 80%. Moreover, this innovation enhances the protein content of muscle tissue by five times that of traditional meat, resulting in a more protein-rich alternative and achieving these improvements without using genetic modification. Dr. Tamar Eigler Hirsh, CTO of ProFuse Technology, says: “ProFuse Technology’s proprietary media supplements and protocols achieve effective muscle production …

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NUS researchers develop 3d-printed edible scaffolds that will accelerate cultivated meat bio manufacturing

Image credit: National University of Singapore (NUS)
Science

Edible Scaffolds For Cultivated Meat With “Fibrous Qualities” Developed by Singapore Scientists

A research team from the National University of Singapore (NUS) has successfully used plant proteins from corn, barley, and rye flour to 3D-print edible scaffolds for the cultivated meat industry.  Led by Huang Dejian, deputy head of the NUS Department of Food Science and Technology, the team claims the new development will help to accelerate the biomanufacturing process of cultivated meat.  “By using readily available cereal prolamins as biomaterials for high-precision 3D printing technology, we open up a new method for manufacturing edible and structured scaffolds to produce cultured muscle meat slices with fibrous qualities,” Dejian said. 3D-printed edible scaffolds Scaffolds are three-dimensional constructs used in cultivated meat that provide structural support for cells to multiply and develop into tissues. But they are typically made from …

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Myodenovo aims to grows cultivated meat using plant-based scaffolds

© Ilia-Nesolenyi-stock.adobe.com
Cultivated Meat

Myodenovo Gets First Capital to Grow Filet Mignon with Plant Scaffolding Tech

Myodenovo, a cultivated meat startup based in North Carolina, USA, has disclosed a $105,000 raise from its first two investors, Sustainable Food Ventures and Sweet Farm.  Founded by George Engelmayr, a biomedical engineer with experience in regenerative medicine and other cultivated meat companies such as Memphis Meats (UPSIDE Foods) and Mission Barns, Myodenovo focuses on cultivated whole cuts with “realistic texture,” starting with filet mignon.  The new capital will enable the startup to cover general corporate expenses, including payments of director’s fees and salaries to employees. Plant-based scaffolding tech The company says to be developing an automated process to create thick cuts using bioreactors and its proprietary, patent-pending, plant-based scaffold tech for cell attachment in various dimensions. Its end products will be 90% cells to deliver the …

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jimi biotech's company banner

Image courtesy of Jimi Biotech
Investments & Finance

Jimi Biotech: Producer of First Cultivated Beef in China Closes Angel Round, Has Sights on Unicorn Status?

Jimi Biotech, a company that states that it unveiled the first cultivated beef in China four months after it was founded, announces the completion of an angel round of RMB20 million (around $3 million) to accelerate cultivated meat production in the country. The round was led by Plum Ventures, and Fanqie Capital, and included Green Leaf Ventures and Joyvio Capital. Former Alibaba engineer and founder of NYSE-listed company Mogujie, Chen Qi, invested in the company’s seed round. According to the company, the fresh funds will be invested in its R&D and HR departments. Leadership position Plum Ventures co-founder, Shichun Wu, commented: “In the fast-moving cultivated meat industry, Jimi has established its leadership position in cultivated meat technologies. With its strong capabilities in R&D and commercialization, …

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3D Bio-Tissues team posing for a photo

3DBT's team © 3D Bio-Tissues

Cultivated, Cell-Cultured & Biotechnology

UK’s 3D Bio-Tissues Announces Successful Cultivated Meat Prototypes 

UK-based biotech company 3D Bio-Tissues (3DBT) announces the successful development of three small cultivated meat prototypes using its tissue templating platform, which creates structured, functional, and scalable tissues. The biotech company, focused on developing bio-equivalent tissues for clinical and cellular agriculture, said that this development differs from those of other cultivated meat producers since its process does not utilise scaffolding as structural support for cell attachment. Dr. Che Connon, 3DBT’s CEO, said: “We announce this exciting progress of creating small meat fillets a few centimetres in diameter to demonstrate how highly aligned muscle fibres can be brought together to create a recognisable meat structure.”       London’s BSF Enterprise acquired 3D Bio-Tissues in May of this year. Following the announcement, 3DBT said it was working to …

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Algae/ Seaweed

Image: Ronile/ Pixabay
Science

University of Vermont Researchers are Using Algae to Create Better Cultivated Meat Scaffolds

As the field of cultivated meat grows, so does the need for affordable inputs to facilitate the growth of cultured cells in large quantities. Scaffolds, which provide an underlying structure for cell attachment, are particularly cost-intensive and still largely rely on animal-based media such as collagen and gelatin.   In order to create a truly animal-free, affordable scaffolding technology,  University of Vermont (UVM) researchers Dr. Rachael Floreani and Irfan Tahir are turning to algae-based polymers to build cell-supporting structures, reports UVM.  Working from the University’s Engineered Biomaterials Research Laboratory (EBRL), Dr. Floreani and Tahir recently published an open-source paper discussing how such scaffolds, made from plant-based hydrogels, can be mechanically “tuned” to produce cultivated meat.  “Scaffolding recreates the microenvironment that the cells grow on inside an …

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Novel Farms Cultivated Pork Loin

©Novel Farms
Cultivated, Cell-Cultured & Biotechnology

Novel Farms Raises $1.4M in Pre-Seed Round for First Marbled Cultivated Pork Loin

Novel Farms, a food technology startup, announces a $1.4M pre-seed funding round and reveals it has created the world’s first marbled cultivated pork loin. According to the startup, its loin showcases the marbling and texture of a real muscle cut, making it one of the few cell-based meat companies to successfully create a structured meat prototype.  Founded in 2020 by Nieves Martinez Marshall, PhD and Michelle Lu, PhD, the company says its pork loin can scale more efficiently than other cultivated meats thanks to its edible and highly customizable scaffolds. Developed with Novel’s proprietary microbial fermentation, these lower-cost scaffolds provide a structure for the attachment of cultured meat cells, without the need for costlier biomaterials such as alginate, mycelium or cellulose. These newer scaffolds are …

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cultivated meat scaffolding

© Gelatex
Cultivated Meat

Gelatex Now Able to Produce Enough Cultivated Meat Scaffolding for 300 Tonnes Annually

Estonia’s Gelatex has announced it is now running pilots with the capacity to produce enough cultivated meat scaffolding for 300 tonnes of meat per year. The scaffolds are made using the company’s nanofibrous materials technology. Gelatex’s work has been supported by investment from Lifely VC, a venture capital firm with a focus on removing animals from supply chains. Lifely has also invested in a range of other successful cellular agriculture companies such as Cultured Decadence, WildType, and Jellatech. According to Gelatex, the production of the scaffold material does not require much space — five kilograms per hour can be made by a machine occupying under ten square metres. This relatively small footprint should allow the company to stay ahead of demand. Aiming for price parity …

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Matrix Meats logo

©Matrix Meats
People

Matrix Meats Announces Five Key Hires to Enter Next Stage of Growth

Matrix Meats, Inc., an Ohio based developer of nanofiber scaffolds for the production of cell cultivated meat, enters a new phase of growth with the addition of five new team members as interest in the cell-based category continues to rise internationally. The hiring surge marks an important milestone for the company, which achieved oversubscribed investment from companies such as Unovis Asset Management, CPT Capital, Siddhi Capital and Clear Current Capital. Devan Ohst is heading Matrix Meats’ laboratory as the new Director of Research and Development. Transitioning from his background in regenerative medicine and medical devices, he boasts an impressive résumé, with over eight years in advanced material engineering. Ohst will oversee Matrix Meats’ technical operations, research activity, and act as a liaison for the company’s …

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