Smart MCs Poly-L-Lysine Methacrylate (PLMA) microcarriers are a specialised, animal-origin-free hydrogel solution designed to solve the challenges of scaffold-based cell culture and 3D bioprinting for cultivated meat applications. This research-grade matrix provides a chemically defined, biocompatible environment that is compatible with a wide range of mammalian cell types, including those relevant to tissue engineering and food technology. The primary benefit is the provision of a tuneable, supportive scaffold that facilitates high-density cell proliferation and differentiation, which is essential for scaling up cultivated meat production from R&D to pilot scale.
The key differentiator of the PLMA matrix is its proprietary formulation, which leverages methacrylated poly-lysine, a derivative of the naturally produced antimicrobial polypeptide, $\epsilon$-PL. This material composition is engineered for light-based cross-linking, allowing for rapid polymerisation into a gel state within seconds. Furthermore, the material's properties, including stiffness, size, and surface charge, are tuneable, offering researchers the flexibility to optimise the microenvironment for specific cell lines and tissue constructs. This customisability is a significant advantage over fixed-property scaffolds.
Performance data validates the material's robust functionality across various applications, including advanced wound dressings and antimicrobial surface coatings, which demonstrates its inherent biocompatibility and potent antimicrobial activity against common contaminants like *E. coli* and *S. aureus*. The PLMA matrix has been validated for use in 3D bioprinting and tissue engineering, providing a scaffold that maintains excellent cell viability and stable chemical characteristics. Rigorous quality testing ensures consistent performance, making it a credible choice for demanding research.
This research-grade PLMA matrix is provided as a versatile, photo-curable hydrogel, making it compatible with existing photo-curing systems and bio-ink formulations. Its inherent biodegradability and animal-origin-free status align with the stringent requirements for cultivated meat research and development. The material’s high scalability and customisable viscoelastic properties make it an ideal platform for advancing research from initial discovery through to commercial-ready, large-scale bioreactor systems, ensuring a clear path to production.