FAQs

What are the advantages of 3D cell culture over traditional 2D culture?

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3D cell culture offers several advantages over traditional 2D culture by more closely mimicking the natural environment of cells in the body. In 3D systems, cells grow and interact in all directions, which promotes more realistic cell behavior, including morphology, gene expression, and response to stimuli. This leads to more accurate and predictive data, particularly in areas like cancer research, drug development, and tissue engineering. Unlike 2D cultures, where cells grow in a flat monolayer, 3D cultures support complex cell–cell and cell–matrix interactions, helping researchers better understand how cells function in real tissues. While 3D models can be more technically demanding, the biological relevance they offer often makes them well worth the investment.

What are the advantages of synthetic hydrogels over animal-derived hydrogels?

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Synthetic hydrogels offer several key advantages over animal-derived hydrogels, especially in terms of consistency, customizability, and ethical considerations. Unlike animal-derived materials, which can vary from batch to batch and contain undefined components, synthetic hydrogels are highly reproducible and chemically defined. This ensures more consistent experimental results and better control over the cellular environment. They can also be precisely engineered to mimic specific tissue properties, such as stiffness, degradation rate, or bioactive signaling, allowing for tailored solutions in cell culture and tissue engineering. Additionally, synthetic hydrogels eliminate the risk of animal-borne pathogens and are a more ethical choice for labs looking to reduce reliance on animal products.

What are the environmental benefits of switching to animal-free experiments?

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Switching to animal-free experiments can lead to a dramatic reduction in environmental impact, especially in terms of carbon emissions. Each lab animal contributes approximately 60–80 kg of CO₂ equivalent (CO₂e) per year when considering housing, care, euthanasia, and waste disposal. With an estimated 110 million animals used annually worldwide, this amounts to 6.6 to 8.8 million tonnes of CO₂e each year.

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In contrast, non-animal methods such as organoids, synthetic hydrogels, and other in vitro systems can generate just 5–20% of the CO₂ emissions associated with equivalent animal-based experiments. Assuming an average 80% reduction in CO₂, switching globally could save between 5.3 and 7.0 million tonnes of CO₂e annually: a substantial climate win for the scientific community!

Are your hydrogels truly 100% animal-free?

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Yes—our hydrogels are completely animal-free, not just in the final product but throughout the entire manufacturing process. We use no animal-derived materials at any stage, ensuring a fully defined, ethically responsible alternative to traditional animal-based matrices. This means you can trust that our products support both scientific reproducibility and sustainability from start to finish.

What is the gelation mechanism of your hydrogels?

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Our hydrogels have a pH-dependent gelation mechanism, which occurs when you mix your cells into the hydrogel. This process can be performed at room temperature, unlike many other animal-derived hydrogels that require cooling on ice. This makes our hydrogels more cell-friendly and less stressful for your cells. Additionally, because our gels exhibit shear thinning properties, they can be plated out or manipulated even after gelation, offering greater flexibility for your experiments.

Which cell lines and tissue types are compatible with your hydrogels?

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We have validated our hydrogels across a variety of different tissues, and the list of cell lines and tissue types continues to grow. You can find the most up-to-date list on our Products page. Additionally, because our hydrogels are tunable, we can create bespoke formulations to suit your specific needs. If your cell or tissue type isn't yet on the list, we encourage you to get in touch, and we'll be happy to work with you to develop a solution tailored to your requirements.

Do you ever support academic grant projects as an industry sponsor?

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Yes, we do support academic grant projects, and are actively engaged in several exciting projects, including several ICASE studentships. If you have a project that you believe we could assist with, please feel free to reach out, and one of our team members will get in touch to discuss how we can support you.