Microcarriers for Bioprocessing and Monolayer Cell Culture

About Microcarriers

Microcarriers are microspherical scaffolds, typically 30-350 μm in diameter, with density slightly higher than water. They provide an advanced support matrix for cells, enabling essential biological processes such as cell culture, proliferation, differentiation and therapeutic delivery. By adhering to cells during value added differentiation, microcarriers make large scale, high yield cell culture both efficient and consistent.

Invitro technologies offers a comprehensive range of cell culture microcarriers to meet the specific needs of biotech and biopharmaceutical workflows. Our portfolio includes:

• Dextran-based microcarriers (HCD-001 and HCD-003) for reliable, high performance cell growth.
• Biodegradable Gelatin 3D Carriers (H3C-001  and HSD-001) designed for environmentally friendly, scalable cell expansion
• Polyester Fibre Carriers (HCF-001 and HCSD-001) engineered for demanding cell culture and purification processes. 

With robust performance and flexible options. Invitro technologies microcarriers empower research and manufacturers to accelerate innovation and optimise bioprocessing across the biopharmaceutical industry. 

Microcarriers of Different Materials

Microcarriers are commonly classified based on the materials from which they are made. These include dextran, gelatin, cellulose, polystyrene, chitosan polyurethane foam, alginate gel and magnetic microcarriers other microcarriers. Each materials type offers unique properties to suit various cell culture and bioprocessing needs.

because microcarriers can be fabricated into multiple shapes such as spherical, flaky, fibrous, tubular or microporous, microcarriers can be tailored for specific applications in biotech and pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Examples:

• Dextran Microcarriers: Support adhesion of most animal cells used in in vitro culture - ideal for general cell expansion. 
• Gelatin Microcarriers: Suitable for wall-dependent cells and suspension culture cells, including sensitive types such as human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.
• Cellulose Microcarriers: Suitable for both wall-dependent cells and suspension culture cells; commonly used for the production of recombinant proteins and monoclonal antibody production by culturing CHO, BHK, NSO and hybridoma cells.
• Polystyrene microcarriers: Frequently used in fluidized bed perfusion systems for CHO cells. Can also support adherent and semi-adherent cells growth.
• Polyester fiber microcarriers:  Designed for mammalian cell monolayer cultures requiring robust surface support.

Additional options include polyurethane foam, alginate gel and magnetic microcarriers, each offering distinct physical and chemical properties for specialised biotechnology applications. These carriers enhance cell attachment, growth and scalability, making them vital for bioprocessing, vaccine production and therapeutic development.
When selecting microcarriers, consider specific cell type, culture conditions and cost efficiency to ensure optimal performance for your biotech workflows. 

HCD-003 (HCD-003G)

Spherical Microcarrier

• Recombinant Collagen Coating: Built on a dextran microsphere core with a non-animal derived recombinant collagen layer, ensuring strong cell adhesion and excellent viability, even under serum conditions.
• High Surface Area & Scalability: The large specific surface area supports higher cell densities and enables efficient scale up in continuous and large volume cell cultures.
• Versatile Bioreactor Compatibility: Suitable for stirred-tank, single use and shake flask systems with efficient separation technology for easy product recovery and streamlined bioprocessing workflows.

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H3C-001

Gelatin 3D Microcarrier

• Exceptional Biocompatibility: Made from medical-grade gelatin that is porous, non-toxic, degradable and recyclable - ideal for both adherent and suspension cell cultures.
• Unique 3D Structure: Large surface area with abundant adhesion sites provides a stable growth environment and supports high density cell culture.
• Proven High Yield: Demonstrated to achieve more than twice the cell density of conventional dextran microcarriers in MSC cell culture. 

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HSD-001

Gelatin 3D Sheet Microcarrier

• High Surface Area & Stable Structure: Damond or rectangular sheets (.5mm) with an internal microporous network (10-100μm) provide a large specific surface area and stable microenvironment for efficient cell growth.
• Excellent Biocompatibility & Degradability: Made from medical-grade gelatin, easily degradable by trypsin, collagenase or cell processes to ensure high cell recovery rates (up to 90-94%)
• Optimised for Bioreactors: Ideal for fixed-bed and WAVE bioreactors supporting high density cultures and efficient product expression in large scale bioprocessing applications.

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