NEW: Ribonuclease U2

Recommended for nucleic acid research applications, including RNA sequencing, RNA modification, and mapping, Ribonuclease U2 offers the following features:

  • Purine-selective, with a preference for adenosine (cleavage specificity: A > G > C > U)
  • Hydrolyzes 3’-linked ribonucleotides, producing nucleoside 3’-phosphates and 3’-phosphooligonucleotides that end in Ap or Gp, with 2’,3’-cyclic intermediates
  • Optimal activity at pH 4.5

Key Benefits:

  • Animal-free: produced without animal-derived materials
  • Chromatographically purified to ensure high quality
  • Supplied as a lyophilized powder for easy handling and storage (stable for 1 year at 2-8°C)
  • Produced recombinantly in Komagataella phaffii (formerly P. pastoris), reducing contaminant nucleases and proteases, and eliminating potential pathogens associated with animal-derived materials

NEW! Bio-Spun™ Scaffolds for 3D Cell Culture Applications

With Bio-Spun™ Scaffolds from BioSurfaces, CellSystems now offers an innovative solution for optimising and standardising complex 3D cell cultures. Produced using a patented electrospinning technology, these scaffolds form a random, nanofibrous 3D structure that closely resembles the extracellular matrix (ECM) of natural tissue.

Comparison of an microscopic picuture of Bio-Spun scaffold material with body's natural scaffold.

Fully animal-free and available in biodegradable or non-biodegradable polymers, the scaffolds promote more physiological cell interactions, help reduce stress responses, and improve the transferability of results to in vivo systems. They also prevent unwanted ECM breakdown and remodelling – a clear advantage over many animal-derived matrices.

Typical applications include:
• Skin models (e.g. irritation, sensitisation, wound healing)
• Airway models (e.g. infection research, inhalation toxicology, drug delivery)
• Models for eye, tumour, skeletal muscle, neurons, blood-brain barrier, liver and more

Key product benefits:
• 100% animal-free
• Choice of biodegradable or non-biodegradable polymers
• Low batch-to-batch variation for reliable, reproducible results

• Saves time and cost in development and testing

Available formats:

Inserts compatible with 6-, 12- and 24-well Transwell Plates, as well as ready-to-use 24- and 96-well High-Throughput Screening Plates

• Materials:
– Non-degradable polymers (PET, PU)
– Biodegradable polymers (PDLGA, PDLGA/PLLA Bilayer)
• Membrane thicknesses:
– PET: 150 μm
– PU: 20 μm
– PDLGA: 10 μm
– PDLGA/PLLA Bilayer: 100 μm

Not sure which scaffold to choose? The Bio-Spun™ Scaffold Overview helps you match the right product to your specific application and tissue model.

Meet Advanced BioMatrix at TERMIS 2025

Advanced BioMatrix will be co-exhibiting with  CELLINK at TERMIS 2025, taking place at the Freiburg Congress Center from May 20–23, 2025.

Visit Advanced BioMatrix at Booth 15 to explore solutions for your advanced cell culture application. From optimizing 3D cultures and matrix coatings to bioprinting and hydrogel-based systems — explore how these products can support cutting-edge research in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. 

Let’s talk science – see you in Freiburg!

NUCxyme™ — High-Performance DNA/RNA Nuclease for Nucleic Acid Removal in Research & Bioprocessing

NUCxyme™ is a highly specific, sequence-independent endonuclease that degrades all forms of DNA and RNA — single-stranded, double-stranded, linear, and circular. It hydrolyzes nucleic acids into 3–5 base oligonucleotides with 5’ monophosphate termini, effectively reducing viscosity from cellular extracts and eliminating residual DNA/RNA in complex samples.

Recombinantly produced in Komagataella phaffii, NUCxyme™ is free of animal-derived materials, endotoxins, and proteases — making it highly suitable for sensitive applications in biotechnology and downstream processing.

Key Features

  • Exceptional Nuclease Activity
    Rapid and complete digestion of linear and circular forms of ssDNA, dsDNA, and RNA
  • High Purity and Safety
    Free from proteases, endotoxins, and animal-derived materials.
  • Yeast-Expressed, Recombinant
    Produced in Komagataella phaffii to avoid contaminants found in bacterial or animal-based sources.
  • Ready-to-Use Liquid Format
    Supplied in 20 mM Tris-HCl, 2 mM MgCl₂, 20 mM NaCl, pH 8.0 with 50% glycerol.

NUCxyme™ is offered in 25 ku and 100 ku formats. Please contact us for bulk or custom quantities.

microRNA-activated hydrogels for enhanced cartilage repair

Articular cartilage has limited capacity for repair given its non-vascularized connective tissue structure and low cellular density. This study, recently published by Shan An et al., describes the development of an injectable microRNA (miR)-activated hydrogel for cartilage repair. The hydrogel is based on  Lifeink 200® collagen type I hydrogel, combined with methacrylated hyaluronic acid and collagen type II, which was used to deliver a pro-chondrogenic miR-221 inhibitor to stem cells.

Down-regulation of miR-221 did not affect cell viability and enhanced chondrogenesis resulting in improved cartilage-like matrix formation with significantly higher levels of sulfated glycosaminoglycans (sGAG) and col II produced by cells in the hydrogel. These results provide evidence of the potential of the miR-activated hydrogel as a minimally invasive therapeutic strategy for articular cartilage repair.

Shan An, et al. Materials Today Bio, 30 (2025) 101382: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mtbio.2024.101382

Advancing Hematologic Disease Research with 3D Bone Marrow Models

A major challenge in hematologic disease research is the development of model systems that accurately replicate human pathophysiology in vivo. Recent advancements in three-dimensional (3D) ex vivo modeling using human-induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived bone marrow organoids provide a physiologically relevant approach to studying hematologic diseases.

Innovations in Bone Marrow Organoid Models

Recent studies have demonstrated that human iPSCs cultured in a hydrogel matrix enriched with human Collagen I (VitroCol, #5007-20mL) and human Collagen IV (#5022) support the formation of vascularized, myelopoietic bone marrow organoids. These matrices provide an optimized extracellular environment essential for the development of mesenchymal stromal cells, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and hematopoietic cells, closely resembling the native bone marrow niche.[1-3]

Bone Marrow Organoids as a Platform for Hematologic Malignancies

Bone marrow organoids have been successfully used to support the engraftment, survival, and proliferation of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells as well as primary cells from patients with myeloid and lymphoid blood cancers.[1]

Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) from patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDSs) efficiently engraft into bone marrow organoids, biomimicking the disease’s pathophysiology.[3]

The ability of these organoids to autonomously maintain hematopoiesis and sustain the marrow microenvironment underscores their potential as a transformative model for studying hematopoietic disorders and evaluating novel therapeutic strategies.

References

[1] Khan, A. et al. Cancer Discov (2023) 13 (2): 364–385 https://doi.org/10.1158/2159-8290.CD-22-0199
[2] Olijnik, AA. et al. Nature Protocols (2024) 19: 2117–2146 https://doi.org/10.1038/s41596-024-00971-7
[3] Ren, K. et al.  Blood Adv (2025) 9 (1): 54–65

Collagen I for Cell Culture Research Applications

Collagen, a fundamental protein abundantly found in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of tissues in humans and animals, plays a crucial role in providing structural integrity and support for cells. There are multiple types of collagen, with Collagen Types I, II, III, and IV being the most common in connective tissues, including skin, tendons, and bones.

Collagen Origins: Bovine, Rat, and Human Sources Available

All collagen products we offer are for research use only and sourced from:

  • bovine skin, exclusively obtained from a controlled, closed herd in the U.S.
  • human cell culture neo-natal fibroblasts, which produce the naturally human collagen.
  • rat tail tendons, a popular source for high-purity collagen in laboratory settings.

Type I Collagen

Among the different types, Type I Collagen is the most prevalent and commonly used in cell culture studies. It forms robust fibers that are ideal for mimicking the natural ECM, making it a preferred choice for tissue engineering, wound healing studies, and regenerative medicine.

Different Extraction Methods of Collagen and their unique properties: Atelo- and Telocollagen

Collagen can be isolated through two distinct extraction methods, each affecting its structure and function in different ways.

Telo- vs Atelocollagen

  1. Acid extraction: This method typically yields Telocollagen, which retains the telopeptides—short peptide sequences at the ends of the collagen triple helix. It has stronger cross-linking potential and forms 3D hydrogels more quickly and with greater strength than Atelocollagen. This makes it suitable for applications requiring robust structural integrity.
  2. Enzymatic extraction: This method removes the telopeptides, producing Atelocollagen. The absence of telopeptides makes it easier to solubilize, which is beneficial for applications like cell culture coatings and hydrogel formation.

Applications in Cell Culture and Bioengineering

Isolated collagen, especially Type I, has versatile applications in biomedical research:

  • 2D Coatings: Collagen is often used to coat culture dishes, providing an adhesive surface that promotes cell attachment and growth, particularly for anchorage-dependent cells.
  • 3D Hydrogels: Collagen hydrogels mimic the ECM and provide a three-dimensional environment for cell cultures, enabling more physiologically relevant studies of cell behaviour, drug responses, and tissue development.
  • Bioprinting: Collagen-based bioinks are used in bioprinting to create tissue constructs that closely resemble the architecture of natural tissues.
  • Cell and Drug Delivery: Collagen can be used as a carrier for delivering cells or therapeutic agents, enhancing their stability and bioavailability.

 

Source Format & Concentration Atelo-/Telo-collagen Product name and Catalogue number

2D Coatings, 3D Hydrogels, Cell Assays
Bovine Skin Solution (3 mg/ml) Atelo  PureCol® Solution #5005-100ML
Solution (6 mg/ml) Atelo Nutragen® Solution #5010-50ML
Solution (10 mg/ml) Atelo FibriCol® Solution #5133-20ML
Solution (3 mg/ml) Telo TeloCol®-3 Solution #5026-50ML
Solution (6 mg/ml) Telo TeloCol®-6 Solution #5225
Solution (10 mg/ml) Telo TeloCol®-10 Solution #5226
Human Fibroblast Culture Solution (3 mg/ml) Atelo VitroCol® Solution #5007-20ML
Rat Tail Tendon Solution (4 mg/ml) Telo RatCol® Solution for 3D Hydrogels #5153-1KIT
Solution (~10 mg/ml) Telo High Concentration Rat Tail Collagen 10 mg/mL #HCRTC-100MG

3D Bioprinting
Bovine Skin Bioink (35 mg/ml) Atelo Lifeink® 200 Type I Collagen Bioink #5278-5ML
Bioink (70 mg/ml) Atelo Lifeink® 220 Type I Collagen Bioink #5343-4ML
Bioink (35 mg/ml) Atelo Lifeink® 240 Acidic Type I Collagen Bioink #5267-5ML
Bioink (70 mg/ml) Atelo Lifeink® 260, Acidic Type I Collagen Bioink #5358-4ML

Related Products:

Product name and Catalogue number Application
Collagenase #5030-50MG Collagenase for efficient cell isolation from collagen gels, designed to enhance the viability and functionality of isolated cells.
Collagen-Hybridizing Peptides (CHP):
CHP 5-FAM Conjugate #5264-60UG
CHP Biotin Conjugate #5265-60UG
CHP Cy3 Conjugate #5276-60UG		 CHP is a synthetic peptide that specifically binds to denatured collagen strands via hydrogen bonding. Available in various conjugates for fluorescent imaging, it is versatile for use in histology, in vivo studies, and in vitro 3D cell culture, enabling the detection and visualization of denatured collagen.

Papain for Effective Tissue Dissociation

Papain, a proteolytic enzyme derived from the papaya fruit (Carica papaya latex), provides a gentle and efficient method for dissociating tissues into single cells, while preserving cell integrity and viability for downstream applications.

Advantages of Papain in Tissue Dissociation:

  1. Broad Specificity and Versatility
    Papain exhibits broad substrate specificity, cleaving various peptide bonds in proteins found within the extracellular matrix and cell-cell adhesions. This versatility makes it suitable for dissociating tissues from a wide variety of species, including common models like rat, mouse, and human, as well as less common species such as shellfish, salamander, turtle, and insect.
  1. Gentle Proteolysis
    Papain breaks down proteins in a mild and controlled manner, minimizing damage to cell membranes. This is particularly beneficial for isolating delicate cells, such as cortical neurons, retinal cells, and photoreceptors, or endocrine cells, which require gentle handling to maintain functionality.
  1. High Cell Viability
    Papain’s gentle action ensures high cell viability, preserving isolated cells for downstream applications such as cell culture, flow cytometry, and molecular analyses.
  1. High Efficiency
    Papain efficiently degrades extracellular matrix proteins, enabling the dissociation of tissues into single cells under near-physiological conditions. It is particularly effective for tissues that are challenging to dissociate or are available in limited quantities.
  1. Consistency and Reproducibility
    Papain is available in standardized formulations (lyophilized or suspension), ensuring batch-to-batch consistency and reproducibility. Ready-to-use kits, optimized for isolating viable single cells from fetal and neonatal central nervous system tissues, further streamline the process based on well-established protocols.

Available Papain Products

  • Lyophilized and Suspension: available in 25 mg, 100 mg and 1 g.
  • Papain Dissociation System (PDS and PDS2 Kits):
    The PDS and PDS2 Kits ensure consistent, reliable results, saving time and effort in tissue dissociation. With its user-friendly protocols and high-quality components, these kits offer ready-to-use solutions for neural tissue dissociation. They are based on the method developed by Huettner and Baughman (J Neurosci. 1986;6(10):3044-3060), optimized to isolate high yields of viable, morphologically intact cortical neurons from postnatal rats. This technique has also been adapted for the dissociation of other brain regions, including the hippocampus, as well as various fetal and postnatal brain tissues.

Optimized Use and Combinations

While Papain is highly effective on its own, it can also be used in combination with other enzymes like Collagenase, Trypsin or Dispase, depending on experimental needs.

The Tissue Dissociation Guide is a comprehensive resource that details protocols and techniques for enzymatically dissociating tissues into single cells.

Same Great Products, Now in Exciting New Packaging!

Lifeline®, a trusted innovator in high-quality cell lines and optimized media, has unveiled an exciting new packaging design, and we’re pleased to share this update with you!

What’s New?

The new packaging features a clean and contemporary look with:

  • Bold New Brand Colours: These vibrant colours not only make the products more visually appealing on your lab shelves, but they also help you quickly spot the items you need.
  • Enhanced Legibility: With clearer labelling, it’s now even easier to identify the specific cell culture media you rely on.

Same Great Products, Elevated Experience

Rest assured that while the packaging is new, the quality and ingredients of Lifeline’s products remain the same. You’ll continue to receive the same highly characterized primary cells and optimized media, now in fresh new packaging. We’re excited to deliver these high-quality products to you and are confident they will enhance your experience.

* * * * *

The first product delivered to you in the new design will be the

DermaLife™ K Complete Medium 

our convenient, ready-to-use, frozen, fully supplemented and phenol red-free cell culture medium for keratinocyte cultivation.

But more will follow…

Keep an eye out for the new packaging in your upcoming shipments!

 

3D Cell Culture – From Organoids to Organ Models

3D cell cultures are evolving rapidly, offering increasingly complex systems that closely mimic the structure, microenvironment, and physiological functions of human organs and tissues. These models enable the study of spatial cell organization, organ and disease development, and provide powerful tools for drug screening, toxicity assessment, and transplantation research.
By combining relevant cell types, media, extracellular matrices or bioprinted structures, researchers can simulate natural environments with high accuracy. To date, numerous models of human tissues and organs, both in healthy and diseased states, have been successfully developed.
These include:

·        Bone marrow organoids [1] ·        Prostate organoids [7]
·        Breast cancer-on-chip [2] ·        Renal proximal Tubule-on-a-Chip [8]
·        Cerebral organoid cultures [3] ·        Skin: 3D Models [9], Chips [10] & Open-Top Chip [11]
·        Colon organoids [4] ·        Tumoroid-on-a-Plate [12]
·        Fibrosis model [5] ·        Vagina [13, 14] and Cervix Chips [14]
·        Kidney Chip [6]

Solutions from CellSystems®
CellSystems offers high-quality products suited for 3D cell culture applications:

Product Category Examples
Human Primary Cells, iPSCs, Culture Media & Subculture Reagents Human Skin Cells and Media:

o   Epidermal Keratinocytes & DermaLife K Media

o   Melanocytes & DermaLife M Media

o   Microvascular Endothelial Cells (mvECs) & VascuLife Media

o   Fibroblasts & FibroLife Media

Reproductive Cells and Media for male & female:

o   Female Reproductive Cells & Media

o   Male Reproductive Cells & Media

Human Umbilical Vascular Endothelial Cells (HUVEC)

Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs)

iPSC Lines, Ready-to-use iPSC-differentiated Cells & Media

Subculture Reagents for gentle cell dissociation
Extracellular Matrices (ECM), 3D Hydrogels & Adhesion Peptides

 

 Collagen (Atelocollagen, Telocollagen) from bovine, human or rat

Tunable Stiffness Hydrogels such as Hystem HA, PhotoGel – Methacrylated Gelatin or PEGDA

Silk Fibroin (lyophilized powder / solution)l

Adhesion Peptides, such as Poly-L/ or D-Lysine, Poly-L-Ornithin, PEPTITE-2000
Enzymes and Inhibitors for Tissue Dissociation, Cell Isolation & Decellularization of ECM Collagenase Preparations Type 1 – 7 and animal-free A – D & Dispase®

Papain & Trypsin

 Hyaluronidase

 DNase I

 Trypsin Inhibitors, e.g. Soybean
iPSC Services iPSC generation & Gene Editing

References:

[1] Olijnik, A., et al. Nature Protocols, 19(7), 2024, 2117–46. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41596-024-00971-7
[2] Maulana, T., et al. Cell Stem Cell, 31(7) 2024, 989-1002.e9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.stem.2024.04.018
[3] Donadoni, M., et al. Journal of NeuroVirology, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13365-024-01204-z
[4] Mitrofanova, O., et al. Cell Stem Cell, 31(8), 2024, 1175-1186.e7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.stem.2024.05.007                                  
[5] Petrachi, T., et al. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 165, 2023, 115146. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115146
[6] Mou, X., et al.  Science Advances, 10(23), 2024, eadn2689 https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adn2689
[7] Xie, L., et al. Environmental Health Perspectives, 128(6), 2020, 067008. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP6471                                         
[8] Nie, J., et al. Advanced Science, 11(30), 2024, 2400970. https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.202400970
[9] Chettouh-Hammas, N., et al.  Ed N. Ismail. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity. 2023, 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1155/2023/6829931                 
[10] Sun, S., et al. Nature Communications, 13(1), 2022, 5481. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-022-33114-1                                          
[11] Varone, A., et al. Biomaterials, 275, 2021, 120957. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biomaterials.2021.120957
[12] Seyfoori, A. et al. bioRxiv preprint, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.04.15.589651
[13] Mahajan G, et al. Microbiome. 2022, 26;10(1):201. doi: 10.1186/s40168-022-01400-1
[14] Gutzeit, O. et al. Systems Biology, 23, 2023, https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.11.22.568273.