3D Insert^TM for stem cell/tissue engineering research application is fabricated from both biodegradable and non-biodegradable polymers, such as polycaprolactone (PCL) and polystyrene (PS).

Polycaprolactone (PCL) is a biodegradable polymer which has been used in fabrication of surgical implants. It has also been extensively studied as a biodegradable scaffold material for tissue engineering applications (list of references). PCL 3D Insert^TM is biodegradable with various precisely controlled porous structure to meet you needs (Please see Products & Services and shop at our Online Store).

Polystyrene (PS) is the polymer that is used in fabrication of various cell culture vessels, such as tissue culture plates (TCP) and tissue culture flasks. They are non-cytotoxic and crystal clear. Similarly, PS 3D Insert^TM is tissue culture surface treated and transparent. The transparence of the PS 3D Insert^TM is a huge advantage comparing to other porous scaffolds because it makes it possible for researchers to directly observe the cell growth under routine cell culture inverted microscope. This means that 3D cell culture can be conducted very continently and economically without the need of adding expensive instruments. It also means that all routine 2D cell culture protocols can be easily adapted to 3D cell culture with few changes. PS 3D Insert^TM is suitable for 3D stem cell expansion and differentiaion. It can also be used as an excellent control and co-culture device for biodegradable 3D Insert^TM.

Other types of biodegradable 3D Insert^TM, such as PLGA , PLA 3D Insert^TM are currently under development and will be available soon to meet your needs.