Experimental study and simulation of oxygen diffusion in a cultivated
meat prototype
Abstract
This study presents the fabrication of a cultivated meat prototype
featuring a three-dimensional (3D) structure constructed from myoblast
C2C12 cell sheets. The absence of blood vessels in dense structures
poses a significant challenge to oxygen supply of the cells. To address
this, simulations were conducted using the COMSOL Multiphysics package
to estimate the maximum achievable size of the 3D constructs. Key model
parameters, including the oxygen uptake rate, effective diffusion
coefficient, structure porosity, and volumetric mass transfer
coefficient, were experimentally determined to perform the simulation
accurately. The simulation results revealed that, for the current
construct, the maximum achievable structure diameter considering oxygen
availability to the cells is 5 mm. To enhance the reliability of the
simulation model, it underwent validation against experimental data.
This approach represents a valuable strategy with potential applications
in various meat cultivation platforms. Its adaptability allows for
better control over the desired cell microenvironment and optimization
of culture conditions, offering a promising avenue for advancing the
field of cultivated meat production.