Xi'an Jiaotong-University of Liverpool (XJTLU)

History

2022: Creation of materials for 3D printing of artificial meat from agricultural waste

On December 15, 2022, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU), founded by Xi'an Jiaotong University China in and Liverpool University in, Great Britain announced the creation of special inks for agricultural 3D printing waste that could make cultured meat more affordable.

In the production of artificial meat, animal muscle cells are planted on a special three-dimensional framework structure that imitates the fibrous structure of natural meat. As cells multiply, tissues form, which in turn turn turn into edible pieces of meat.

The actual frame should also be edible. One option is to use animal by-products such as collagen to make it. Another approach involves the use of synthetic materials, but they can be very expensive. XJTLU specialists went a different way: they turned to crop production waste.

Scientists have combined cereal proteins (known as prolamins - included in the group of gluten proteins) extracted from the husk of barley or rye with a corn protein called zein. As a result, edible 3D printing ink was obtained. These inks were then used to form a framework structure, which in turn served as the basis for cultured meat. Beetroot juice was added to give the meat a more natural appearance.

In general, as noted, the proposed technology allows you to reduce the cost of obtaining artificial meat. Scientists are now investigating the possibility of using plant ingredients for the nutrient environment in which muscle cells are grown. This can further reduce production costs.^[1]

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