AMSBIO has announced the launch of Mimetix® 3D cell culture scaffolds that offer significant advantages for a range of applications including regenerative medicine, oncology research, drug discovery and as a unique aligned scaffold for neural growth and investigation**.

There is a significant need for more predictive in vitro efficacy assays to reduce both the number of costly drug failures in clinical trials and the number of animals used in pre-clinical testing. Performing certain cell-based assays in 3D has proven to improve their relevance as models. However, when choosing a matrix for the cells to grow in, important factors to consider are reproducibility of the environment, similarity to the real-life conditions, ease of handling and the possibility of scaffold customization.

Mimetix® scaffolds mimic the extracellular matrix by providing an ideal architectural environment to support the growth of cells in 3D. They are created by electrospinning medical-grade polymer poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) into microfibres, which are highly consistent with regard to fibre diameter and pore size, resulting in excellent reproducibility of cell-based assays. Mimetix® scaffolds are free from animal-derived products and synthesised using only medical-grade polymers.

Compatible with automated handling and imaging equipment, Mimetix® scaffold is supplied incorporated into standard ANSI / SLAS footprint microplate frames (6-, 12-, 96- and 384-well) with bases of superior optical clarity and minimal base distortion. The scaffold depth of 50 µm is thick enough to provide the benefits of 3D cell morphology and behaviour, yet thin enough to allow fluorescent and light microscopic imaging. In addition to standard formats, AMSBIO offers a custom service to provide different Mimetix® scaffold formats, composition, thickness, fibre diameter and pore size to optimally suit your application. Mimetix® has been validated with a number of primary cells, cell lines and stem cells (e.g. formation of myelin sheets in oligodendrocyte culture and long-term expression of metabolic functions by Hep G2 liver cancer cells).

For further information please visit www.amsbio.co.uk/mimetix.aspx or contact AMSBIO on +44-1235-828200 / +1-617-945-5033 / info@amsbio.com..

Founded in 1987, AMS Biotechnology (AMSBIO) is recognized today as a leading company contributing to the acceleration of discovery through the provision of cutting-edge life science technology, products and services for research and development in the medical, nutrition, cosmetics and energy industries. AMSBIO is able to draw upon in-depth expertise in extracellular matrices to provide elegant solutions for studying cell motility, migration, invasion and proliferation. Widely acknowledged as an expert in cell culture, AMSBIO partners with clients in tailoring cell systems to enhance organoid and spheroid type screening outcomes from a technological and cost-effective perspective. Custom services include stable cell line production, CRISPR/Cas9 Genome Editing, lentivirus and adenovirus production, large scale protein production and a comprehensive portfolio of antibody services.

** Current Biology 25, 1-6, September 21, 2015, M Bechler et al