Researcher pipetting samples into cuvettes in a lab
Materials

Xcell-protect

A nutrient mix that protects sensitive cells throughout the print process

Validated in a peer-reviewed study with Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin

Bioinks are optimized for printing, not cell performance.

During the printing process, cells face stress such as temperature shifts, light exposure and pH drifts. Right when that stress peaks, cells also lose the protective environment culture medium normally provides.

Add Xcell-protect to your bioink to mimic culture medium conditions inside the formulation. It keeps cells stabilized and nourished throughout the print process. This is especially critical for sensitive cell types with low tolerance for nutrient-poor or unbalanced conditions.

Xcell-protect vial, dry lyophilized powder, sterile

Post-print viability results

90–97%
Post-print cell viability

Seven cell types were printed in a GelMA bioink with Xcell-protect. Live/dead staining directly after printing showed 90–97% viable cells. The cells don’t just survive, they function: by day 3 they spread and grow in the printed hydrogel.

Live/dead staining at day 0 and actin/nuclei staining at day 3 for hMSC, hdF, HUVEC, C2C12, MEF, HepG2 and monocytes, viability 89.83–97.04%
HepG2 cells without Xcell-protect, 48.32% viability HepG2 cells with Xcell-protect, 97.04% viability

Doubled cell viability in sensitive cells

HepG2 liver cells react strongly to the stress of printing. Without Xcell-protect, 48% of the cells survived the print. With Xcell-protect added to the bioink, viability rose to 97%.

*Source: Brauer et al., “Biocompatible Ink Optimization Enables Functional Volumetric Bioprinting With Xolography,” Advanced Materials, 2026.

Read the study →

Product features

Higher viability

Protects sensitive cells: 90–97% post-print cell viability

Bioink compatible

Suitable for standard hydrogels for light-based printing

Serum-free

Defined composition, free of animal serum, for reproducibility

Lyophilized

Shipped freeze-dried for storage stability

10× stock

Simple reconstitution: 1 vial creates 10 ml of formulation

Optically clear

Formulated to reduce scattering and absorption

Want to know if Xcell-protect
would work for you?

Tell us which cells, hydrogels and print process you use, and we will advise on whether Xcell-protect fits your workflow.

Contact us