WACKER’s Biosolutions division is working on a portfolio of growth factors, media proteins and peptides for use in the production of cultivated meat, i.e. real meat that is produced by cultivating animal cells in a controlled environment and which represents a sustainable and humane alternative to conventional meat production. (Source: Wacker Chemie AG)
- Free from animal-derived components, produced according to Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) food standards
- Key protein for cost reduction and scalability in alternative meat production
- First batches already available
WACKER is launching its bioengineered growth factor “Recombinant bovine FGF-basic Food,” or FGF-2 Food. It has been specially developed for use in the production of cultivated meat. The first batches are already available, with deliveries starting in the fourth quarter of 2025.
“FGF-2 is an essential growth factor for cell cultivation in the production of cultivated meat. With our biotechnological solution, we offer a reliable and scalable alternative to existing products –making an important contribution to establishing sustainable protein sources,” says Mathias Wiedemann, head of Biosolutions, WACKER’s life sciences division.
FGF-2 Food is a highly purified growth factor that is produced microbially (based on fermentation), free from animal-derived components. It has been developed specifically for food applications and meets the GFSI’s strict quality standards.
In cell culture, FGF-2 Food plays a central role by promoting cell proliferation, particularly of muscle and connective tissue cells, while preventing premature differentiation. This enables the use of cell culture media without commonly used animal-derived components such as fetal calf serum, making this growth factor indispensable for cultivated meat production.
Cultivated meat represents a sustainable, animal-friendly and resource-efficient alternative to conventional meat production. The market is growing rapidly – more than 170 companies worldwide are working on solutions in this area. FGF-2 Food is a key protein for reducing costs and scaling this technology. Ingredients for cell culture media were previously only available in pharmaceutical quality and in small quantities. WACKER is the first manufacturer capable of supplying commercially viable quantities in food-grade quality.
Cultivated meat is already approved in the USA, Singapore and the UK. Approval processes are underway in Europe and Asia, including those initiated by Aleph Farms, a company WACKER has partnered with since 2021 to enhance production processes and supply chain solutions for the market.
The rollout of WACKER’s FGF-2 will initially focus on the U.S. market, with Asia and Europe to follow next year.
