QST and atect corporation have begun offering evaluation samples of CellTune Gel, a protein gel cell-culture substrate whose composition, hardness and shape can be tuned to suit the cell type and research objective. They aim to develop it into a practical cell-culture substrate based on evaluations and needs from research laboratories.
The National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology (QST) and atect corporation announced that they will begin providing evaluation samples from 6 November 2026 for the practical application of CellTune Gel, a protein gel cell-culture substrate whose composition, hardness and shape at the cell interface can be designed. Its distinguishing feature is that the gel is produced using radiation-based crosslinking technology while retaining its cell-interactive functions.
The evaluation samples use gelatin derived from collagen and are provided in a format that allows the hardness to be adjusted across multiple levels. Feedback from research laboratories will be used to improve the substrate specifications, methods of use, manufacturing process and quality control.
With support from JST programs including A-STEP, the two organizations intend to accelerate evaluations in research laboratories and further develop CellTune Gel into a practical cell-culture substrate that brings the cell-culture environment closer to conditions inside the body. The product is also scheduled to be introduced at the annual meeting of the Japanese Society for Alternatives to Animal Experiments, to be held from 13 to 15 November.