Generation of cultured beef from bovine embryonic stem cells

Abstract

Bovine embryonic stem cells (bESCs) serve as an optimal source for generating muscle and fat tissues. However, systematic methodologies for creating cultured beef from bESCs have not yet been reported. Here, we successfully established a bESC line and formulated a specialized culture medium that supports cell pluripotency in both two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) cultures. Additionally, we have also developed serum-free and transgene-free protocols that efficiently differentiate bESCs into muscle and fat cells. These differentiated cells were validated at the transcriptional and protein levels. Furthermore, we devised a method using high moisture stretched plant-based protein scaffolds for incorporating differentiated muscle and fat cells derived from bESCs, producing an innovative plant-cell hybrid cultured beef. These advancements provide a solid foundation for future cultured beef production using pluripotent stem cells.