This study introduces a self-healing hydrogel scaffolding technology for engineering marbled cultured meat, addressing challenges in replicating natural intramuscular fat distribution. The system utilizes boronic acid-conjugated chitosan and poly(vinyl alcohol) to form dual reversible networks—boronic acid–diol and hydrogen bonds—enabling robust self-healing at physiological pH. Unlike conventional hydrogels, this mechanism achieves strong, reversible interactions without nonphysiological conditions, as confirmed by nanomechanics. The hydrogels support mouse and bovine-derived muscle and fat cell growth, with tunable stiffness optimized for differentiation. This approach overcomes limitations of coculture (cell-ratio management) and monoculture (insufficient adhesion) methods, allowing seamless assembly of centimeter-thick meat with micrometer-scale marbling.
Self-Healing Scaffolding Technology with Strong, Reversible Interactions under Physiological Conditions for Engineering Marbled Cultured Meat
ByGrégory Maubon
Jun 16, 2025
By Grégory Maubon
Leading Innovation ++ on the Field ++ with a Purpose => I used AI in cultivated meat industry to optimize bioreactor design and to dramatically improve the efficiency and quality of production. I developed high quality 3D imagery process in a biotechnological startup to disrupt the drug discovery methods.