3D Scaffolds

Achieve genuine three dimensional cell cultures with Alvetex

Alvetex is a highly porous polystyrene scaffold designed for 3D cell culture. Cells grown in Alvetex maintain their in vivo morphology, behaviour and responsiveness within an in vitro model system. Unlike conventional materials used in cell culture Alvetex is made from polystyrene and is completely inert. Presented as a 200 μm thick membrane, Alvetex has been adapted to fit a variety of conventional cell culture plasticware formats. Each product unit has been terminally sterilized by gamma irradiation and remains sterile until its blister pack is opened. Alvetex requires an ethanol wash prior to use to render it hydrophilic. Alvetex does not degrade during normal use.

Enhances the Biological relevance of your cell culture research

Alvetex is available in two main format: Alvetex Scaffold and Alvetex Strata. These two format differs in pore sizes where Alvetex Scaffolds contains pores of 42 um and the pores of the Alvetex Strata is 15 um. The primary design of Alvetex Strata supports growth of cells and tissues on the surface of the material whereas the Alevetex Scaffold supports cell growth resulting in in vivo like three dimensional features. 

Typical mammalian cells are around 10-25 μm in size and are rarely further than 0-50 μm from another cell or 100-200 μm from a source of nutrients via a blood capillary. By recreating this complex cellular organisation and environment experienced by cells within their native tissues, Alvetex 3D cell culture enables more accurate investigation into the study of cell behaviour and function compared with conventional 2D model systems.

Additional information

Application notes for neural cells and tissue