Technology

New category cell culture systems based on nanotechnology

Contemporary microcarriers for upstream cell culturing are typically made from spherical polymer beads, ranging in size from 100-500 micrometers. As an alternative, nanofibers with diameters typically between 1 nanometer and 1 micron, can now be used. Using these, scaffolds with an exceptionally large surface area-to-volume ratio, high porosity, significant mechanical strength as well as greater flexibility in functionalization can be fabricated.

Nanofiber structure

Electrospinning has long been the standard method for fabricating nanofibers with precise architecture and properties. The procedure relies on electric force to draw charged polymer threads into fibers ranging from a few nanometers to several micrometers in diameter. Electrospun fibers are typically produced as flat sheets with fibers arranged in random or aligned orientations. Even with state-of-the-art technologies, these fibers are limited to planar dimensions, which restricts their usefulness in designing 3D structures.

Electrospinning principles.

Introducing the Cellevat3d® platform

Cellevate’s proprietary platform marks a significant advancement in fabrication method compared to traditional electrospinning, by introducing a post-electrospinning step that refines the structural complexity as well as the functionality of the electrospun nanofibers.

Our innovative production method involves applying advanced post-processing techniques after the initial electrospinning step.

With this approach, Cellevate moves the microcarrier industry beyond traditional 2D fiber materials, enabling cost-effective production of customized 1D monofibers and sophisticated 3D cross-linked fiber structures, to advance the next-generation cell culturing. New materials and structures that facilitates improved cell viability, adhesion, proliferation and volumetric productivity, compared to current technologies, making them particularly valuable for cell and gene therapy applications.

This is the technical innovation behind our first two upcoming product portfolios: Cellevat3d® nanofiber microcarriers and Cellevat3d® nanofiber macrocarriers.

Post-electrospinning structural and functional refinement
Post-electrospinning structural and functional refinement

Cellevat3d® platform brings several key benefits:

Sustainability

By using natural polymers like cellulose – a green, biodegradable material – the Cellevat3d® platform significantly reduces environmental impact and aligns with sustainable development goals. The use of cellulose also minimizes the carbon footprint and waste associated with synthetic polymers, as well as reducing the use of microplastics.

Scalability

The Cellevat3d® platform’s advanced production methods enable the large-scale creation of uniform nanofiber materials, crucial for meeting the demands of industrial bioprocess applications. Our scalable high-throughput process with consistent quality facilitates mass production of complex nanomaterials without sacrificing performance.

Flexibility

Cellevat3d® platform enables the creation of nanofiber material with precise architecture and properties, including fiber dimensions, porosity, pore size, and surface modifications. The material can be easily molded into any shape or form ensuring seamless integration into various bioreactor systems.

Read more about our product lines

New!

Cellevat3d® nanofiber microcarriers

MaterialCellulose nanofibers
FormatMonofibers
BioreactorStirred tank bioreactors
ApplicationsGene therapy, PSC’s, HEK based recombinant proteins, HEK based vaccines, organoid formation
Cellevat3d® nanofiber
microcarriers

Cellevat3d® nanofiber macrocarriers

MaterialCellulose nanofibers
FormatCross-linked fibers
BioreactorPacked- & fixed-bed bioreactors
ApplicationsCell therapy, MSC’s, vaccines, recombinant proteins, organoid formation

Cellevat3d® nanofiber macrocarriers are in development. Expected launch 2026.