In a first of its kind, two Czech scientists have combined pig cells with microalgae to create a fake meat product that doesn’t require fetal bovine serum to grow.

Ultimately, the process will allow them to add vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, fiber and essential fatty acids, the scientists told Food Navigator. Besides making it easier to add the synthetic nutrients, the microalgae help reduce production costs, they said.

Also in a first, they have coined the new process “mewery,” a play on the combination of brewery and microalgae. The researchers said lab-designed pork won’t be their only product. To ensure an unlimited source of the mewery pig cells which will enable them to mass produce the products in their lab, they’re forming a biobank to cultivate even more meat products.

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Food Navigator February 10, 2023