Stratum Biomatrix

Applications

Where SBM-COL1 performs

Ultra-pure, thermally stable, and BSE/TSE-free. SBM-COL1 is suited to a wide range of biomedical research applications. Explore validated use cases across tissue engineering, 3D bioprinting, cell culture, and more.

3D bioprinting laboratory — researcher operating bioprinter with collagen bioink

Application Areas

Six core research domains

01

3D Bioprinting

Bioprinting

SBM-COL1 forms a printable bioink at 4 to 8 mg/mL when blended with alginate or hyaluronic acid. Thermal gelation at 37°C provides rapid post-print stabilisation without chemical crosslinkers.

  • Compatible with extrusion-based and inkjet bioprinters
  • Supports co-printing with living cells at densities up to 10⁷ cells/mL
  • Blends with GelMA, alginate, and fibrin for tuneable mechanics
  • No UV crosslinking required for initial structural integrity

Key Parameters

Working Concentration4 to 8 mg/mL
Gelation Temp37°C
Print Viscosity50 to 200 mPa·s
Cell Viability Post-Print>85%
02

Tissue Engineering Scaffolds

Tissue Engineering

As a native ECM component, SBM-COL1 provides cell-adhesion motifs (RGD, GFOGER) that support attachment, proliferation, and differentiation of primary cells and stem cells without additional functionalisation.

  • Supports osteogenic, chondrogenic, and adipogenic differentiation
  • Compatible with electrospinning for fibrous scaffold fabrication
  • Lyophilised sponge format available for 3D seeding
  • Validated with MSCs, chondrocytes, and dermal fibroblasts

Key Parameters

Scaffold Concentration1 to 6 mg/mL
Pore Size (lyophilised)50 to 200 µm
Compressive Modulus0.1 to 2 kPa
Degradation (collagenase)Tunable 7 to 28 days
03

3D Cell Culture & Organoids

Cell Culture

SBM-COL1 gels provide a physiologically relevant 3D environment for organoid formation, tumour spheroid culture, and invasion assays. Low endotoxin levels below 0.1 EU/mg minimise inflammatory signalling artefacts.

  • Suitable for intestinal, hepatic, and mammary organoid models
  • Supports tumour invasion and migration assays
  • Compatible with standard 24 and 96-well plate formats
  • Low background fluorescence for confocal and live imaging

Key Parameters

Gel Concentration1 to 4 mg/mL
Gelation Time at 37°C15 to 30 min
Endotoxin<0.1 EU/mg
Culture DurationUp to 21 days
04

Hydrogel Fabrication

Hydrogels

The thermal gelation profile of SBM-COL1 (Tm at least 35°C) allows precise control of gelation kinetics. Stiffness can be tuned from soft (0.1 kPa) to moderately stiff (5 kPa) by adjusting concentration and crosslinker density.

  • Mechanically tuneable for mechanobiology studies
  • Compatible with EDC/NHS and genipin chemical crosslinking
  • Transparent gels suitable for optical microscopy
  • Stable under physiological conditions for extended culture

Key Parameters

Stiffness Range0.1 to 5 kPa
Gelation pH7.0 to 7.4
Crosslinking OptionsThermal, EDC/NHS, Genipin
Water Content>99%
05

Wound Healing & Skin Models

Wound Healing

SBM-COL1 membranes and gels support the development of in vitro skin equivalents and wound healing models. Non-mammalian origin removes cross-reactivity concerns in human cell assays.

  • Supports full-thickness skin equivalent construction
  • Compatible with HaCaT, NHEK, and primary dermal fibroblasts
  • Suitable for topical drug permeation and wound closure studies
  • Non-mammalian origin avoids cross-reactivity in human assays

Key Parameters

Membrane Thickness50 to 500 µm
Cell Types ValidatedKeratinocytes, Fibroblasts
Scratch Assay CompatibleYes
Transwell CompatibleYes
06

Drug Delivery & Controlled Release

Drug Delivery

The biodegradable nature of SBM-COL1 gels and sponges makes them suitable as drug delivery matrices. Release kinetics can be adjusted by collagen concentration, crosslink density, and incorporation of secondary polymers.

  • Suitable for small molecule, peptide, and growth factor delivery
  • MMP-responsive degradation for on-demand release
  • Compatible with microsphere and nanoparticle co-encapsulation
  • Validated for subcutaneous and intra-articular depot applications

Key Parameters

Drug LoadingPassive entrapment / covalent
Release ProfileSustained 3 to 21 days
Degradation TriggerCollagenase / MMP activity
Sterilisation0.22 µm filtration / gamma

Research Sectors

Who uses SBM-COL1

University Research Labs

Academic groups across the UK and Europe use SBM-COL1 as a reproducible, low-endotoxin scaffold for fundamental cell biology and translational research. Validation kits are available for new academic partners.

Medical Device Development

Device developers use SBM-COL1 as a scaffold component in wound care, orthopaedic, and ophthalmic products. Full regulatory documentation is supplied.

Cell & Gene Therapy

Cell therapy developers use SBM-COL1 as a carrier matrix for ex vivo cell expansion and in vivo delivery. Non-mammalian origin simplifies regulatory submissions.

Pharmaceutical R&D

Pharma groups use SBM-COL1-based 3D tumour models and organ-on-chip scaffolds as more physiologically relevant alternatives to 2D culture for drug screening and toxicology.

Getting Started

Standard Reconstitution Protocol

01

Thaw & Equilibrate

Transfer lyophilised SBM-COL1 from storage at minus 20°C to 4°C overnight. Allow to equilibrate before opening to prevent moisture uptake.

02

Reconstitute in Acetic Acid

Add sterile 0.02M acetic acid to reach the desired stock concentration, typically 3 to 6 mg/mL. Dissolve by gentle rotation at 4°C for 2 to 4 hours. Do not vortex.

03

Neutralise for Gelation

On ice, add 1/10 volume of 10× PBS and neutralise to pH 7.0 to 7.4 with 0.1M NaOH. Mix gently and keep all components cold until ready to use.

04

Seed Cells & Gel

Add cells to the neutralised collagen solution on ice, mix gently, dispense into pre-warmed plates or moulds, and transfer to 37°C for 30 to 60 minutes to complete gelation.

A full Technical Data Sheet including concentration-specific protocols, troubleshooting guidance, and application-specific recommendations is supplied with every order and available on request.

Start your validation

Request a complimentary 10 mg / 5 mL validation kit of SBM-COL1, supplied with Certificate of Analysis and Technical Data Sheet, and evaluate it in your own application.

Request Validation SampleDownload Technical Data Sheet