Antimicrobial peptides can substitute antibiotics to control bacterial growth in cultivated meat production without compromising myogenic potential

The potential of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as alternatives to traditional antibiotics in cultivated meat (CM) production was explored. In principle the AMPs should control bacterial contamination while preserving the myogenic potential of muscle satellite cells (MSCs). This study assessed the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of various AMPs, including nisin and Lactoferricin B, against selected bacterial strains. The cytotoxic effects of these AMPs on MSCs were evaluated, and their efficacy in inhibiting bacterial growth in MSC cultures was demonstrated. Nisin and Lactoferricin B effectively inhibited bacterial growth at specific concentrations without exhibiting cytotoxicity towards MSCs. Additionally, these AMPs did not impair the differentiation capacity of MSCs. The findings indicate that nisin and Lactoferricin B are promising candidates for replacing antibiotics in CM production, underscoring the need for further optimization of AMP use in this context. • AMPs could replace antibiotics in cultivated meat, offering a safer alternative • Natural AMPs were tested for controlling bacteria in bovine satellite cell cultures • Nisin controlled bacterial growth for 3 days without affecting myogenesis • Lactoferricin B controlled bacterial growth for 3 days without affecting myogenesis • This study provided proof-of-concept for the use of AMP in cultivated meat production