Cell-cultured breastmilk: scientists want to give formula-fed babies another option

Researchers in the field of cellular agriculture are working to create cell-cultured breastmilk to serve as an alternative to formulas based on cows’ milk. The cell-cultured breastmilk is developed using “mammary epithelial cells” which can be cultured from donated milk. These cells are then grown and multiplied in flasks with nutrients and transferred to a bioreactor (a larger vessel of nutrients) with a similar structure to the mammary duct. Prolactin is added to the bioreactor to promote milk secretion on one side while absorbing nutrients on the other. Quality control and safety screenings are then conducted.