An immortal porcine preadipocyte cell strain for efficient production of cell-cultured fat

Abstract

Adding adipose cells to cell-cultured meat can provide a distinctive aroma and juicy texture similar to real meat. However, a significant challenge still exists in obtaining seed cells that can be propagated for long periods, maintain their adipogenic potential, and reduce production costs. In this study, we present a cell strain derived from immortalized porcine preadipocytes that can be subculture for over 40 passages without losing differentiation capacity. This cell strain can be differentiated within 3D bioscaffolds to generate cell-cultured fat using fewer chemicals and less serum. Additionally, it can be expanded and differentiated on microcarriers with upscaled culture to reduce costs and labor. Moreover, it can co-differentiate with muscle precursor cells, producing a pattern similar to real meat. Therefore, our cell strain provides an exceptional model for studying and producing cell-cultured fat.