3D cell culture in a hollow fiber bioreactor is the most in-vivo-like way of culturing cells in a biological research laboratory. When looking to create a research model it is important to look at the in-vivo process and recapitulate it as closely as possible.

One particular advantage of hollow fiber bioreactors is that cell density is such that the cells themselves can define the microenvironment. HFBRs allow you to culture two different cell types, at high enough densities, and for long enough periods of time to observe their effects on one another. The medium-sized cartridge offers 3,000 cm2 of surface area, equivalent to 40 T-75 flasks, and can support up to 2×109 cells.

VitroGel® Hydrogel Matrix is a ready-to-use, xeno-free (animal origin-free) functional hydrogel for 3D cell culture research. VitroGel® Hydrogel Matrix is an optimized formulation of multi-functional ligands and concentrations to support a wide range of cell types for different applications.

There is no additional adjustment needed. VitroGel® Hydrogel Matrix closely mimics the natural extracellular matrix (ECM) environment to make cells feel more like at home. The hydrogel is room temperature stable, has a neutral pH, transparent, permeable and compatible with different imaging systems. The solution transforms into a hydrogel matrix by simply mixing with the cell culture medium.

Biosilk™ is a 3D culture matrix for the expansion and long-term differentiation of human primary cells and a scaffold for organoid formation.

Biosilk is a recombinant spider silk biomaterial that has the ability to self-assemble into a microfibrous network, such as foam, and which can be easily biofunctionalized with different ECM proteins, like laminins. This helps to better recapitulate physiologically relevant aspects of developing human tissue. For example, Biosilk has been successfully used for the expansion of pluripotent stem cells and subsequent neural cell differentiation with additional Biolaminin 521 (Biosilk 521). A reproducible ventral midbrain organoid model, with functionally mature cells even in the core of the organoids, was generated with Biosilk and Biolaminin 111.

The way proteins are delivered is critical to their function. PODS® provides stability and sustained release, addressing the limitations of conventional cytokines. PODS® are printable, localizable, sustained delivery growth factors. This allows control and manipulation of cells in 2D and 3D culture, as well as in-vivo.