Cellendes GmbH has hdeveloped a synthetic hydrogel for three-dimensional applications that can be used by researchers to cultivate cells within a precisely defined matrix. The biomimetic gels have key advantages over conventional gels for three-dimensional cultivation: the gels are fully synthetic, but bioactive substances can be included.
Cellendes supplies two fluids, an activated polymer and a cross-linking agent that polymers use to link themselves together through a chemical reaction. Various biofactors can be bonded to the polymer prior to cross-linking. The hydrogel is ready in just a few minutes. In the transparent gel, the cells can be easily examined under a microscope and pigmented. Two of the three gels offered by Cellendes can be broken down again, enabling further work to be performed with and on the cells.