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Exploring the Future of Food with Insect-Based Proteins

In a featured segment from CBS Boston, Natalie Rubio discusses her groundbreaking research at the Kaplan Lab on the potential of insect based cellular agriculture. As a doctoral candidate, she explores using stem cells from tobacco hornworm caterpillars to create sustainable meat and seafood substitutes. This work is driven by a commitment to improving animal welfare and reducing the environmental footprint of our food system, particularly by decreasing the methane emissions and water usage associated with traditional livestock. The research highlights a growing movement toward using advanced biotechnology to solve global food challenges. By growing tissues in a controlled lab… Read More »Exploring the Future of Food with Insect-Based Proteins

Scaffolds 101: Building the Foundation for Cultured Meat

In this 2017 New Harvest presentation, Natalie Rubio discusses the critical role of scaffolding in transforming two dimensional cell cultures into structured meat products like steak or chicken breast. She explains that scaffolds provide the necessary surface area for muscle cells to adhere to and guide their development into organized tissues. While cellular agriculture has historically adapted techniques from the medical industry, Natalie emphasizes that food production introduces unique requirements, as scaffolds must be edible, sustainable, and capable of enhancing the final product’s texture and nutritional profile. Natalie details several potential scaffolding materials, including silk, collagen, and plant derived cellulose.… Read More »Scaffolds 101: Building the Foundation for Cultured Meat

David Kaplan Discusses the Evolving Landscape of Biomaterials Science

In an interview with the American Chemical Society, David Kaplan reflects on his role as Editor-in-Chief of ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering and how the journal serves as a home for groundbreaking research in biopolymer engineering and tissue engineering. He highlights the field’s exciting expansion into areas like 3D printing and computational design, while encouraging researchers to embrace interdisciplinary partnerships to build the synergy necessary for solving complex medical challenges. Citation: Interview with Editor-in-Chief of ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering, David L. Kaplan

Exploring the Limitless Potential of Silk in High-Tech and Medicine

In this presentation, David Kaplan and Fiorenzo Omenetto discuss their transformative research into “reverse engineering” silk into a versatile, water-based solution that serves as a foundation for a wide array of sustainable technologies. From biocompatible medical implants and non-invasive drug delivery systems to programmable green electronics and shelf-stable vaccine storage, their work showcases how this ancient protein can be reimagined to solve modern challenges in global health and environmental sustainability. Their collaborative efforts continue to push the boundaries of materials science, bridging the gap between nature’s strongest natural polymer and the next generation of high-tech applications.