Japanese scientists have succeeded in making synthetic wagyu beef that is processed in a laboratory using three-dimensional (3D) printer technology. Although artificial, this meat product is very similar to real meat.
Wagyu is claimed to contain everything we would expect from a steak, including protein, fat, taste and biting sensation, and even veins. This artificial meat is also made to be more environmentally friendly.
Although food technology has improved significantly in recent years, steaks made using 3D printers still have drawbacks, especially in terms of the complex structure of beef such as real animal origin.
Quoted from Futurism, researchers at Osaka University addressed this in their latest study, and later reported that they were able to produce synthetic beef with realistic structures using the 3D printing method.
There are two types of bovine stem cells used as part of this meat-making process. Both cells were grown and then fabricated using bioprinting.
The end product of this process is a beef molding system that can be used to produce customized beef products, including the popular and complex marbled Wagyu steak. Another configuration to make different types of wagyu, for example with lower fat content. can also be made this way.
Wagyu beef is an expensive type of beef from Japan that is highly sought after. Wagyu differs from other, less expensive types of meat because of its extensive layer of fat in the muscle tissue, giving it a unique texture.
Along with the increasing consumption of meat, raising animals including cattle, in recent years has been increasingly highlighted for contributing to the problem of climate change.
Therefore, cultured meat made in the laboratory, is touted as a solution to climate and environmental problems caused by raising livestock.
The worldwide demand for meat is predicted to increase by 70% by 2025, and the mass production of synthetic meat is expected to be able to fill the gap in the supply chain of meat products.
AT Kearney estimates that by 2040, 60% of the meat consumed worldwide will be replaced by synthetic or plant-based meats. This is because many countries in the world have focused on the impact of animal husbandry on the environment.
Livestock activities and meat consumption are known to produce high levels of greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, as an alternative to reducing emissions and the needs of vegans, synthetic meat is a new trend in many countries.