GELITA, a global innovator in gelatin and collagen peptide production, and Black Drop, a specialist in the development of customized 3D bioprinting solutions, have signed a research and development agreement. The collaboration combines GELITA’s in-depth knowledge of hydrogel material science with Black Drop’s vast bioprinting expertise to develop high-performance bioinks for biomedical applications such as three-dimensional tissue models and implants.
Following their common goal to improve 3D bioprinting processes and cell functionality, the two companies will conduct practical application studies to explore opportunities for novel methacrylated gelatin (GelMA) formulations based on GELITA’s MEDELLAPRO® Ultra Low Endotoxin Gelatin. As processing parameters and process control are decisive factors in the functionality of the bioprinted tissue, the development of bioinks must be considered alongside future application potential. In their joint research into new GelMA variants, GELITA and Black Drop are demonstrating how material innovation, and application can be efficiently and effectively combined.
Jannik Stadler, Head of Bioprinting Consumables and Services at Black Drop, says of the partnership: “We see high-performance, clinically usable bioinks as the next crucial step in transferring 3D bioprinting to clinically relevant and industrially scalable applications. It is therefore all the more gratifying that established partners such as GELITA are actively addressing this challenge and working with us to further develop their innovative materials in practical application studies.”
Martin Junginger, Global Category Manager Pharma & Bioscience at GELITA, adds: “We have recently launched our MEDELLAPRO® Ultra Low Endotoxin Gelatin with endotoxin levels below 10 EU/g, which is highly suitable for biomedical applications in which gelling properties and purity are key. This partnership will give us the ability to speed up validation of our ingredient solutions in a real-world scenario in order to match the evolving needs of leading researchers in the field of 3D bioprinting solutions.” MEDELLAPRO® gelatins serve as a biomaterial platform for 3D bioprinting and cell culture in human tissue engineering. In 3D bioprinting, they help mimic native tissue characteristics and support cell adhesion, proliferation and differentiation. As cell culture substrates, MEDELLAPRO® gelatins facilitate reliable cell attachment to surfaces and promote consistent cell growth – providing a practical basis for reproducible, application-focused workflows in biomedical and pharmaceutical research.
