Stretchable zein-coated alginate fiber for aligning muscle cells to artificially produce cultivated meat

Abstract

Numerous studies have explored the cultivation of muscle cells using non-animal materials for cultivated meat production. Achieving muscle cell proliferation and alignment using 3D scaffolds made from plant-based materials remains challenging. This study introduces a technique to culture and align muscle cells using only plant-based materials, avoiding toxic chemical modifications. Zein-alginate fibers (ZA fibers) were fabricated by coating zein protein onto alginate fibers (A fibers). Zein’s excellent cell compatibility and biodegradability enable high cell adhesion and proliferation rates, and the good ductility of the ZA fibers enable a high strain rate (>75%). We demonstrate mature and aligned myotube formation in ZA fibers, providing a simple way to align muscle cells using plant-based materials. Additionally, cultivated meat was constructed by assembling muscle, fat, and vessel fibers. This method holds promise for the future mass production of cultivated meat.