In this instalment of The Cell Base's ‘Start-up spotlight,' we speak to Nataraja Yadavalli, chief executive of CytoNest, a start-up based at the University of Georgia in the US that develops 3D scaffolding technologies for applications in cultivated meat and seafood production.

What was the inspiration behind founding CytoNest, and how does the company's mission align with the broader goals of the cellular agriculture industry?

Myself and my co-founder Sergiy Minko set out to create something remarkable – an edible fibre-based scaffold safe for living tissues that provides a 3D platform for cells to adhere to and grow at high densities. Our journey began with a vision to create something that would bridge science, innovation and practical impact.

After nearly a decade of research, publications and patents on various innovative and patented nanofibre fabrication technologies to spin biodegradable and edible biopolymers, we optimised and developed an edible, three-dimensional fibre scaffold called CytoSurge 3D.

The edible scaffold fibre arrays are made from materials 'generally recognized as safe' (GRAS). These fibres are then layered to create a 3D structure where cells can thrive – think of it as a microscopic scaffolding system for cellular architecture. This scaffold provides a nurturing environment for cells to thrive towards tissue-like meat structures.

We aim to empower cell-ag companies by providing cutting-edge, fibre-based, edible 3D scaffold solutions. Our mission aligns with the broader goal of cellular agriculture, creating sustainable alternatives to traditional whole-cut meats and seafood.

Can you provide an overview of your recently launched commercial product and explain how it supports cell-based meat production?

At CytoNest, our latest innovation: CytoSurge 3D, is a research-scale product that introduces our unique 3D scaffold design for evaluation with potential users in the cell-ag sector. This scaffold demonstrates the capabilities of our edible scaffold with controlled porosity, multi-layered structure, linear micro-perfusion channels and customisation options. We are offering the industry's first customisable scaffold made of FDA-GRAS-listed materials.

Meat cells are diverse and demand their own extracellular environment for adhesion and healthy proliferation at high densities. Our scaffold can be customised to cell type and linearly scales for use in complex bioreactor environments. By optimising the 3D environment, we enable efficient and scalable production of cultivated meat and seafood.

What unique features or technologies does your new product bring to the market, and how do these differentiate CytoNest from other companies in the cell-based meat sector?

• Unique 3D scaffold design: CytoSurge 3D showcases our cutting-edge scaffold – a meticulously crafted matrix with controlled porosity and a multi-layered structure. It’s like a cosy home for meat cells, providing the perfect environment for growth.

• Linear micro-perfusion channels: Imagine tiny highways within the scaffold, allowing nutrients and metabolites to flow precisely where needed. These channels optimise cell health and proliferation at high densities.

• Customisation options: For scaffolds tailored to specific cell types CytoSurge 3D is customisable, adapting seamlessly to diverse cellular needs. Our custom options cover fibre spacing for optimum cell interactions, layer spacing for tissue development, scaffold geometry and cell-specific biochemical coatings.

• FDA-GRAS materials: Our scaffold is made from FDA-GRAS materials, ensuring quality and limited ingredients.

• Scaling up: From research labs to bioreactors, CytoSurge 3D linearly scales. It’s the bridge between small-scale evaluation and large-scale production.

We have developed proprietary fibre drawing and 3D scaffolding technologies in-house at the University of Georgia, and have patented them. Unlike commercially available electrospinning technologies, we do not extrude uncontrolled non-woven mats of fibres. Our additive manufacturing technology utilises ultra-long single-stranded micro/nanofibres as building blocks to create truly 3D structures with highly controlled scaffold parameters. Our technology is the first in the industry capable of customising fibre-based 3D scaffolds to meet cell demands from R&D to commercial-scale cell manufacturing.

How does CytoNest address some of the most significant challenges in producing cost-effective and scalable cell-based meat?

At CytoNest, we’re excited to offer edible scaffolds crafted from zein protein, which is extracted directly from corn kernels and recognised as a GRAS material by the US Food and Drug Association (FDA).

Zein stands out due to its water insolubility, meaning it remains stable even in aqueous environments, making it an ideal scaffold material. Zein also has a long culture period, it maintains scaffold 3D structure integrity for over 30 days in culture media, which is crucial for cell growth. Its industrial processability means that zein protein dissolves readily using vinegar as a solvent, simplifying large-scale production.

CytoNest offers zein protein scaffolds in six-well cell culture plate configuration for R&D and rapid customisation at $125 per plate. We anticipate significantly reducing the cost of our scaffolds as we scale up from our pilot scaffold manufacturing facility to industrial production. Our goal? To bring zein scaffold prices down to just a few dollars per bioreactor-sized scaffold.

Can you discuss the feedback you’ve received from early adopters of your product and how it has shaped your development process?

Since our launch in July this year, CytoSurge 3D has been met with enthusiasm from early adopters. Their feedback has been invaluable. Users have praised the innovative design of our PCL (polycaprolactone) and zein 3D scaffolds. The fused fibre technology in our PCL scaffolds sets a new industry standard for adherent cell manufacturing across various tissue engineering applications.

Early adopters’ insights – covering cell viability, nutrient uptake and overall cell growth efficiency – directly influence our continuous improvement efforts. As we refine and optimise, we’re committed to delivering a scaffold that meets and exceeds expectations.

What role do you see CytoNest playing in advancing the commercialisation and mainstream adoption of cell-based meat?

Our edible 3D scaffold design isn’t just a concept – it’s a commercial reality. It is designed for use in existing bioreactor systems and will seamlessly integrate with the final meat structure. We’re not working in isolation. CytoNest is currently collaborating with research institutions and is open to industrial partners. Together, we’re creating a supportive ecosystem. Our goal? To accelerate market acceptance. Imagine a world where cell-based meat – whole cuts, not just nuggets – are accessible to consumers globally.

Could you share any upcoming innovations or developments that CytoNest is currently working on to further support the cellular agriculture industry?

At CytoNest, our lab hums with anticipation. Here’s a sneak peek into what’s brewing:

• Novel scaffold designs: Imagine bespoke scaffolds tailored to different bioreactor systems. We’re pushing boundaries, exploring uncharted structures to accelerate cell-based meat production.

• Portfolio expansion: CytoSurge 3D is just the beginning. Our product line-up is evolving. Think upgrades, enhancements and surprises.

• The big reveal: We won’t spill all the beans, but mark your calendars. Exciting announcements are simmering. CytoNest is about to serve up innovation in a petri dish. 

#CytoNest #startupspotlight #US