Technology
Nanofiber microcarriers
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.
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.
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.
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
Cellevat3d® nanofiber microcarriers
| Material | Nanofiber-based cellulose |
| Format | Monofibers |
| Bioreactor | Stirred tank bioreactors |
| Applications | Gene therapy, PSC’s, HEK based recombinant proteins, HEK based vaccines, organoid formation |
The commercial launch of Cellevat3d® nanofiber microcarriers is set for November 2024.
Cellevat3d® nanofiber macrocarriers
| Material | Nanofiber-based cellulose |
| Format | Cross-linked fibers |
| Bioreactor | Packed- & fixed-bed bioreactors |
| Applications | Cell therapy, MSC’s, vaccines, recombinant proteins, organoid formation |
Cellevat3d® nanofiber macrocarriers is in development. Expected launch 2026.
