Trends in non-animal scaffolds for cultured meat structuration

Cultured meat offers a sustainable protein alternative to meet growing food demands, relying on scaffolds to structure muscle tissue. This review evaluates plant-derived and polymeric scaffolds—synthetic polymers, peptides, fungal/plant materials—and techniques like 3D bioprinting, electrospinning, and microcarriers. Scaffold types (fibrous, porous, hydrogels) are assessed for adhesion, degradation, cost, and scalability. Highlighting cell compatibility, material pros/cons, and scalability challenges, the study identifies research gaps to advance cultured meat production.