How do I prepare the cell suspension to mix with the hydrogel? Should I add serum?

Cells can be prepared in a regular complete cell culture medium and be directly mixed with VitroGel®. If you want to adjust the concentration of the serum or other critical supplement in the final hydrogel, follow the steps below:

If cells are cultured in a complete cell culture medium supplemented with 10% FBS or another critical supplement, please prepare the cell suspension using the following methods before mixing it with the hydrogel solution.

For VitroGel® Hydrogel Matrix

1. Prepare the cell suspension with 30% FBS.

2. Mix VitroGel Hydrogel Matrix Solution with the cell suspension from above at 2:1 (v/v) ratio to get the final cells in the hydrogel with 10% FBS supplement.

For VitroGel® High Concentration Versions

1. Prepare the cell suspension at 2X concentration (e.g., 100K) and mix with 100% FBS at a 1:1 (v/v) ratio to get 1X cell suspension (e.g., 50K) with 50% FBS.

2. Mix VitroGel hydrogel solution with the cell suspension from above at a 4:1 (v/v) ratio to get the final cells in the hydrogel at 10K with 10% FBS supplement

Note: Do not make a 2X (or higher) concentration medium. The ionic molecules in the medium would affect hydrogel formation, and the high concentration medium might make the gel chunky or non-uniform.

The serum or critical supplement in the hydrogel would affect cell growth, especially during the first 48 hrs. Please see the example figures below.