CultiSpher, component for the cultivation and harvesting of cells ex vivo

Macroporous – the natural mode for cell growth results in tissue – like densities with preserved cell architecture

Pharmaceutical gelatin is a refined product derived from collagen, providing a natural environment for cell growth and thriving
Proven efficiency for both cell lines and naturally derived cells. The way to culture stem cells and create organoids.
Promotes formation of blood vessels which has created successful applications for in vivo use like Parkinsons disease, wound healing, dermal filler …

Supplied as dry powder. Sterilized by standard techniques like, steam sterilization and gamma irradiation.

Tissue Engineering

CultiSpher may also be utilized as an excipient component in preparations of cellular products intended for implantation. Use of the microcarrier in these cellular therapeutic products has been shown to enhance the survival of the implanted cells.

Distributors

CultiSpher microcarriers is sold in more than 30 different countries. Contact us for the most convenient supply.

CultiSpher-G

The original macroporous microcarrier suitable for the majority of cell lines.

Particle diameter (µm*) 130-380
Volume (ml/g dry*) 12-18
Density (g/ml*) 1.04
Approx. no. of microcarriers ( /g dry)Average pore diameter (µm*) 1,000,000
Average pore diameter (µm*) 20

* in PBS

CultiSpher-S

Due to a different crosslinking procedure this microcarrier has a higher thermal and mechanical stability. Cell attachment is also faster. The first microcarrier to try when testing a new cell line.

Particle diameter (µm*) 130-380
Volume (ml/g dry*) 10-16
Density (g/ml*) 1.04
Approx. no. of microcarriers ( /g dry)Average pore diameter (µm*) 800,000
Average pore diameter (µm*) 20

* in PBS

Custom-designed

We have more than 20 years experience in the design and production of microcarriers. Contact us for a discussion on the development of a tailor-made microcarrier for your application.

Conditions of sale

CultiSpher microcarriers are delivered exworks (Incoterms 1990). View complete sale conditions

A unique protein-based macroporous microcarrier

It is manufactured from pharmaceutical grade porcine gelatin via a process which yields a highly cross-linked gelatin matrix with high mechanical and thermal stability. When used in cell cultures, cells can attach to both the external and the internal surfaces of the matrix.

The increased surface area of the matrix together with the protection from stress afforded to the cells in the interior of the matrix results in enhanced cell production capabilities. An additional advantage of the product is that the matrix can be dissolved with proteolytic enzymes resulting in in the harvesting of cells with almost 100% viability.

The cell cultures are identical to the original cells in the body and a process that is more economical and efficient.

Close up objective lens microscope in laboratory.

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Learn more about microcarriers

Cell culture techniques have become vital to the study of animal cell structure, function and differentiation. Cell culture techniques are also important for the production of many important biological materials such as vaccines, enzymes, hormones, antibodies, interferons and nucleic acids. The majority of animal cells are anchorage-dependent and require attachment to a surface for their survival and replication.

For large-scale production an extensive surface is necessary for cell growth. Previously, the most popular methods for providing this surface involved multiple glass or plastic bottles. The surfaces available for growth were only those of the inside of the bottles. Such systems are labor intensive and require both a large amount of space and specific equipment handling. A further disadvantage in the bottle technique is the variation that can arise between different bottles within a batch since it is not practical to control pH, for example, in every bottle.

Finally, the risk for contamination increases as the number of units to handle increases.

In 1967 Van Wezel describes the use of small particles (0.2 mm), microcarriers, for the growth of anchorage-dependent cells. These microcarriers are suspended in the culture medium by gentle agitation and a homogeneous environment is obtained. The scale-up is done by increasing the fermentor volume. The culture environment is easily controlled. Since the cells are located on the surface they are subjected to mechanical stress. The physical characteristics of solid beads limit the number of cell doublings that can be obtained in each culture step. At the start, each bead has to be inoculated with 5-10 cells and cell growth terminates when cells make contact with each other, usually at a cell number of 200-300 cells on each bead. At this time the cells are released from the carriers and collected for inoculation in a larger fermentor. This release is usually made with an enzyme attacking cell surfaces. Cell harvesting is thus a delicate balance between release and cell death.

These factors have resulted in limited success when used in large-scale systems.

Macroporous beads, in which the anchorage-dependent cells have the possibility to utilize the interior surface, substantially reduce the problems associated with the culture of these cells. Microcarriers have been manufactured from different synthetic materials including dextran, polyacrylamide and polystyren. Cell attachment to these charged microcarriers are mediated by ionic attractions.

Cells will also attach to gelatin, but through a different mechanism: a protein, fibronektin, has a biospecific binding to gelatin and as the cells has an affinity to this protein they will attach to microcarriers of gelatin. A further advantage is the susceptibility of gelatin to proteolytic enzymes. Cells may thus be released with almost 100% viability by dissolution of the matrix with trypsin.