Collection: PHB (Polyhydroxybutyrate) Gelacell™ scaffolds

PHB Gelacell™ Scaffolds

Gelacell™ is a non-woven highly porous scaffold specially designed for in vitro 3D cell culture and tissue engineering. It has a unique nanofibrous structure that closely mimics the natural extracellular matrix. Designed as a non-woven, highly porous scaffold, Gelacell™ offers exceptional biocompatibility and non-toxicity across a variety of cell types. Gelacell™ is produced using patented halospinning technology that provides unprecedented 3D architecture with extensive surface area for cellular activities. Compatible with various cell lines and culture conditions.

Here you can find Gelacell™ scaffolds made of PHB (polyhydroxybutyrate) or PHB HYDRO (hydrophilic polyhydroxybutyrate) nanofibers.

HaloSpun nanofibers made from poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) deliver an extracellular matrix-like scaffold that accelerates cell attachment and supports tissue-like morphology in three-dimensional culture systems. This xeno-free, fully defined platform provides rapid cell take-off and a stable microenvironment for advanced tissue engineering and preclinical research applications. Built on the proven Gelacell platform, PHB combines biological familiarity with robust handling characteristics to elevate reproducibility across discovery and preclinical workflows.

The high surface area and interconnected porosity of PHB nanofibers promote early cell engagement and uniform infiltration throughout the scaffold. PHB's non-acidic degradation profile helps preserve pH and ionic balance during extended culture windows, providing a stable microenvironment that sensitive cell systems require.

Advantages

• Rapid cell attachment: Fast, early adherence within hours with uniform cell distribution enabled by high porosity supporting oxygen and nutrient transport.
• Microenvironment stability: Non-acidic degradation preserves pH balance and ionic homeostasis during extended culture periods.
• ECM-like structure: Nanofibers emulate native extracellular matrix to support migration, polarization, and cell-cell interactions.

Applications

• Organoids & spheroids: Seeding, maturation, and maintenance in physiologically relevant 3D environments with consistent architecture.
• 3D screening assays: High-content imaging, live-cell toxicity and efficacy testing, and multi-omics workflows with optical compatibility.
• Barrier & tissue models: Skin, airway, intestinal, hepatic, neural, and musculoskeletal systems with preserved tissue-like morphology.
• Primary cells & co-cultures: Sensitive systems benefiting from stable microenvironments and xeno-free, animal-component-free materials.

PHB vs PHB HYDRO

Gelacell™ PHB scaffolds are available as regular PHB or PHB HYDRO. PHB HYDRO is a special extra-hydrophilic material that uses a blend of 91% PHB and 9% PEG.

Water contact angle: PHB (left), PHB HYDRO (right)

Discover More

• Browse all Gelacell™ products
• Browse by format:
  • Scaffold sheets (tissue engineering/organoid scaffolds)
  • Scaffold inserts for plate wells (short to medium term 3D cell culture)
  • Scaffolds in plate wells (short to medium term 3D cell culture)
  • Scaffolds on cell crowns in plates (long term 3D cell culture)
  • HaloScreening plates (High-throughput screening [HTS])
• Browse by material:
  
  • Gelatin
  • Chitosan (coming soon!)
  • PHB or PHB HYDRO
  • PCL
  • PCL:PLGA
  • PLGA
  • PLLA
• Didn't see what you were looking for? Gelacell™ scaffolds can be produced in a wide variety of materials and configurations. Please contact us to discuss your specific needs!