Layered sodium zirconium phosphate adsorbent for ammonia removal in cell culture media for cultivated meat application

Ammonia accumulation poses a major challenge in high-density cell production, including cultivated meat. This study presents sodium zirconium phosphate (NaZrP) as an efficient ammonia adsorbent, synthesized via a minimal solvent thermal method. In discarded culture medium, NaZrP reduced ammonium concentration by 56 % and maintained efficiency over four reuse cycles. At 0.5–2.5 g/L, it sustained over 90 % cell survival after 24 h, confirming biocompatibility. The addition of disodium hydrogen phosphate improved NaZrP’s properties by increasing layer spacing, ion adsorption rate, and adsorption capacity. Adsorption followed pseudo-second-order kinetics and the Langmuir model, indicating monolayer adsorption. Chemisorption was the dominant mechanism, with ion exchange occurring under weakly alkaline conditions. NaZrP exhibited minimal glucose adsorption and negligible impact on solution pH. Its rapid and selective ammonia removal, combined with reusability and cell compatibility, makes it a promising solution for managing ammonia toxicity in large-scale cell cultures. Further optimization will enhance its potential for cost-effective applications in cultivated meat and other biotechnological industries.