A human-derived and collagen-rich hydrogel platform!
Introduction
Metatissue® hPCMA Photopolymerizable Hydrogel is a human based, xeno-free, bioactive placenta-based platform that provides physiologically relevant microenvironments for cells culture. The precursor solution is easily prepared by reconstituting hPCMA lyophilizate in an aqueous solution with a photoinitiator. Afterwards, it can be cured upon light exposure to form a hydrogel with tuneable mechanical properties. hPCMA Photopolymerizable Hydrogels provide great control over gelation time and matrix stiffness, enabling researchers to create the cell culture environment that better fits their needs.
Advantages
- Human-derived: Multiple native human-derived extracellular matrix proteins provide a xeno-free alternative to animal products.
- Mechanically tuneable: Mechanical properties can be easily adjusted to obtain several tissue stiffness simulations.
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Photocrosslinkable: The precursor solution can be cured upon light exposure to induce hydrogel crosslinking. Its temperature stability allows for easier handling.
- Versatile: Easily processed in multiple geometries and in microarrays amenable to organ-on-a-chip systems designed for high throughput screening applications.
- Reproducible: The materials are prepared from multiple donor units that are pooled to minimize lot-to-lot variation.
hPCMA Material
Metatissue® hPCMA Photopolymerizable Hydrogel is composed of several extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, including multiple collagen types (e.g., I, III, IV, and VI), as well as fibrinogen, laminin, fibrillin, and fibronectin. These bioactive components are well recognized as key constituents of the extracellular matrix, playing crucial roles in supporting cell adhesion, growth, and proliferation.
Main Components:
- Collagen Type I, III, IV, and VI
- Laminin
- Fibronectin
- Fibrinogen
- Fibrillin
Source:
hPCMA is manufactured from human placentas (hPCs) obtained from licensed healthcare establishments after the donor’s informed consent. All placenta donations are compliant with the Convention on Human Rights and Biomedicine, and Data Protection Regulation. It is essential to observe universal precautions for handling and disposing of biological products while working with hPCMA.
Photoinitiated Polymerization:
hPCMA is chemically modified with photoresponsive groups to polymerize only when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) or visible light. Therefore, a photoinitiator is required to initiate the polymerization process (not provided). For recommended photoinitiators, please refer to the Instructions for Use (IFU).
Specifications
| Product Category: | Hydrogels, scaffolds, biomatrices |
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Product Type: |
Hydrogel |
| Liquid/Powder: | Lyophilized powder |
| Size: | 10 mg or 100 mg vials |
| Storage: | 2-8°C |
| Manufacturer: | Metatissue® |
| Country of Origin: | Portugal |
hPCMA Validation in Cell Culture
Validated Cell Types
These are some of the human cells already validated with the hPCMA product:
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Bone Marrow
- Mesenchymal Stem Cells (BM-MSC)
- Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVEC)
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Cardiac
- Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells-derived Cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CM)
- Human Cardiac Fibroblasts (hCF)
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Neuronal
- Primary murine forebrain neurons
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Vascular
- Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells-derived Vascular population (EC, PC, SMC)
Tunable Stiffness
hPCMA Photopolymerizable Hydrogel has tunable mechanical properties adjusted by the concentration of hPCMA lyophilizate in the precursor solution. It is therefore possible to obtain hydrogels with different stiffness to closely mimic the mechanical properties of various native tissues.
Cell Viability & Proliferation
Several types of encapsulated cells, namely, human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs), HepG2 cells (human liver cancer cell line) and SW982 cells (synovial sarcoma cell line) maintain their viability for at least 7 days and are able to proliferate inside the hydrogels.
Figure 1. Representative fluorescence images for HepG2 cells encapsulated in hPCMA 0.7% w/v (live/dead assay). Scale bar: 500 μm.
Figure 2. Representative fluorescence images for hASCs encapsulated in hPCMA 1% w/v. Live/dead assay - scale bar: 200 μm, and DAPI/Phalloidin assay - scale bar: 20 μm.
Figure 3. Representative fluorescence images for SW982 cells encapsulated in hPCMA 0.7% w/v and 1% w/v (live/dead assay). Scale bar: 200 μm.
Figure 4. Metabolic activity normalized with the DNS content of hASCs encapsulated in hPCMA 1% w/v, at 1, 3, and 7 days of culture. Results shown as mean (SD).
Figure 5. Relative metabolic activity of SW982 cells encapsulated in hPCMA 0.7% w/v and 1% w/v, at 0, 3, and 7 days of culture. Results shown as mean (SD).
3D Bioprinting
hPCMA can be used as an ink for 3D printing in different printing techniques, such as DLP and volumetric bioprinting. It can also be added to new ink formulations as a complement for a human touch.
Documents
Usage
This product is intended for Laboratory Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. This product may not be used as a pharmaceutical or veterinary drug, agricultural product, or food additive.
Related Products
- Metatissue® LAP Photoinitiator
- Metatissue® hPLMA - Human Methacryloyl Platelet Lysates Photopolymerizable Hydrogel
- Metatissue® hPLMA Easy Hydrogel - Solution Premixed with LAP Photoinitiator
- Metatissue® hPLMA Sponge - Scaffold for 96-well 3D Cell Culture
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