American fast food chain KFC wants to craft the “world’s first laboratory-produced chicken nuggets.” To create this “meat of the future,” the chain is working with Russian startup 3D Bioprinting Solutions to use “chicken cells and plant material” to print nuggets layer by layer.
They are developing additive bioprinting technology using chicken cells and plant material, allowing it to reproduce the taste and texture of chicken meat almost without involving animals in the process.
KFC will provide its partner with all of the necessary ingredients, such as breading and spices, to achieve the signature KFC taste. At the moment, there are no other methods available on the market that could allow the creation of such complex products from animal cells.
Company claims the approach is more ethical and environmentally sound, as it reduces the need for farming animals.
The fried chicken giant has yet to actually feed anybody its futuristic nuggets, but the Russian startup is already hoping that the trend will catch on.
“In the future, the rapid development of such technologies will allow us to make 3D-printed meat products more accessible and we are hoping that the technology created as a result of our cooperation with KFC will help accelerate the launch of cell-based meat products on the market,” the statement reads.
Reference- KFC Online Newsroom, Futurism, 3D Bioprinting Solutions PR