A Convenient Way to Screen Hydrogel Stiffness for Stem Cell Applications

Research has shown that in addition to induction factors, the rigidity of the substrate on which cells are grown has a significant influence in the lineage specificity of the cell. By mimicking the cell’s in-vivo environment on a petri dish, the cell has a greater affinity to differentiate into specific cell lines.

The HyStem-C Stiffness Sampler Trio Kit contains hyaluronan-based, synthetic extracellular matrices that can conveniently screen for the perfect in-vitro environment for stem cells to proliferate.  The kit contains three hydrogels of defined stiffness to take the guesswork out of choosing the right rigidity.  Like its predecessors, the gels are biocompatible, customizable, and allows for attachment of multiple cell types. The hydrogel is easily prepared by mixing the gel and water (both included in the kit) together. Then the cells are either plated on top or encapsulated in the gel. Current applications include vascular morphogenesis, neurogenesis, and other soft tissue cell cultures. For more information, please visit Glycosan’s website at www.glycosan.com.

BioTime, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on regenerative medicine. The company develops and markets research products in the field of stem cells and regenerative medicine through its wholly owned subsidiary ReCyte Therapeutics, Inc. The company engages in two areas of biomedical research and product development. Its focus is in the field of regenerative medicine; specifically human embryonic stem cell and induced pluripotent stem cell technology. BioTime was founded by Judith Segall, Hal Sternberg, Paul E. Segall and Harold D. Waitz on November 30, 1990 and is headquartered in Alameda, CA.