Bioprocessing technology of muscle stem cells: implications for cultured meat

Muscle stem cells (MuSCs) are essential for the growth, maintenance, and repair of skeletal muscle. In the emerging area of cultured meat, meat products are manufactured with MuSCs using theory and technology from the fields of cell culture, tissue engineering, and food processing. Recently, considerable progress has been made in bioprocessing technologies for MuSCs, including isolation, expansion, differentiation, and tissue building. Here we summarize cutting-edge operational strategies and recently characterized regulatory mechanisms for MuSCs. Furthermore, we discuss their applicability to refining the production process for cultured meat and accelerating its industrialization.