Printers used to just put ink on paper. Then, 3D printers made objects out of plastic. Now, those machines can pump out creations good enough to eat. Scientists just a fish !
Two companies created the fish dish. Umami Meats is based in Singapore. Steakholder Foods is based in Israel. Umami Meats takes living from real grouper fish. Scientists then grow those cells into real muscle and fat. Steakholder Foods later adds this product into “bio-ink.”
Creating living tissue is known as bioprinting. Scientists load the ingredients up. They let the machine get to work. The printer uses the bio-ink to squirt layers of cells. The result is a fish filet!
Both companies are excited. After all, 3D-printed fish could be good for the environment. Overfishing is a big issue. It has caused some fish populations to disappear. In fact, many species of grouper are in danger of dying out. People may start eating more 3D-printed fish. And this could help out the fish in the sea!
The companies plan to launch their first products in 2024. They plan to start sales in Singapore. They hope to to the United States.
Would you take a bite of a 3D-printed meal?
Updated June 1, 2023, 5:01 P.M. (ET)
By Alexa Tirapelli
