COLLAGEN HYDROGELS (CHS)

In tissue engineering research and development, 3D cultures are constantly being advanced to generate miniature models of in vivo environments. Key performance parameters such as cell growth, differentiation, cell-cell interaction, or marker expression need to be authentic and tissue-specific to generate meaningful data. A close-to-nature collagen matrix can provide mechanical support and signaling cues that facilitate tissue culture optimization and standardization.

Collagen Hydrogel 3D Scaffolds (CHS) are 2 mm thick scaffolds made of pure type I collagen fibers from bovine dermis without chemical crosslinkers. The native fiber network gives the hydrogel the natural consistency of a real body tissue and increasing stiffness grades enable the reproduction of tissues of different density. Cell lines or primary cells can infiltrate the porous CHS and generate 3D layers that express relevant tissue markers and interact in a spatial manner.