Smart MCs Silk Fibroin Methacryloyl (SilkMA) is a specialised hydrogel precursor designed to meet the rigorous demands of cultivated meat production and advanced tissue engineering. This material provides a highly tuneable, xeno-free scaffold, solving the critical challenge of creating a biomimetic environment that supports robust cell proliferation and differentiation. Its primary benefit lies in its ability to form a stable, biocompatible matrix via light-based cross-linking, offering researchers precise control over the cellular microenvironment for optimal growth conditions in serum-free and chemically defined media.
The key differentiator of this product is its foundation in methacryloyl-modified silk fibroin, a high-molecular-weight polypeptide renowned for its excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability. The methacrylation process introduces double bonds, transforming the material into a water-soluble precursor that can be easily photocured into a hydrogel. This proprietary modification enhances the material's utility and ensures a consistent, high-quality matrix for scientific applications.
While designated for research use only, SilkMA has been validated across a range of mammalian cell types, making it highly compatible with the diverse cell lines required for cultivated meat applications. Its tuneable properties, including stiffness, size, and surface charge, allow for the precise optimisation of the scaffold to mimic native tissue, which is essential for advancing both R&D and pilot-scale studies. The availability of a certificate of analysis further supports its use in factual and specific scientific contexts.
This material is supplied as a research-grade precursor, compatible with standard bioprinting and cell culture systems. Its inherent flexibility and tuneable characteristics provide a clear pathway for scalability, enabling seamless transition from early-stage research and development to larger, commercial-ready production systems. The xeno-free composition aligns with the industry's need for animal-origin-free materials, supporting future regulatory contexts for food-safe and food-grade cultivated meat products.