Lonza and the Swedish company CELLINK have partnered to offer a comprehensive 3-dimensional (3D) bioprinting solution designed to optimize and increase access to complete 3D cell culture workflows. The solution integrates CELLINK’s 3D bioprinting instruments and bioinks with Lonza’s broad selection of human-derived primary cells and supporting culture media. Cell biologists can now rely on this high-performing product offering to successfully execute even the most demanding 3D bioprinting work and boost their scientific research.

CELLINK will be delivering the complete 3D bioprinting solution through its global sales channels, supported by Lonza’s well-established logistics processes.

Cell biology laboratories on a global scale are increasingly adopting 3D over 2-dimensional (2D) cell culture approaches, as they more closely resemble the cells’ in vivo environment offering a more accurate and reliable means of predicting and analyzing cell behavior. However, as researchers look to create increasingly complex 3D constructs, finding solutions to structural and material engineering challenges is becoming progressively more important. 3D bioprinting has emerged as a powerful technology for engineering complex 3D tissues for in vitro drug discovery research.

CELLINK provides a wide range of user-friendly and flexible 3D bioprinting systems, designed to offer improved levels of sterility, precision and versatility. Furthermore, the company’s Bioink is the world’s first universal bioink designed to print complex 3D human tissue constructs with any 3D bioprinting system. Offering superior biocompatibility, cell viability, printability and consistency, this biomaterial can be modified with peptides and growth factors to develop a series of customized bioink formulations to meet varying application needs.

Robust, viable cells are an essential component of any successful 3D bioprinting and cell culture application. Lonza offers an extensive array of high-quality human-derived primary cells and culture media specifically developed to improve experimental reliability and validity. All cells are ethically sourced and authenticated by thorough quality control testing, while the media are optimized for each cell type to support optimal, consistent growth and maintain the tissue-specific characteristics.

"Cell biology laboratories are constantly seeking innovative new technologies to enhance their experimental workflows and help deliver on their promise to drive the next research breakthrough,” said Katrin Hoeck, associate director, marketing and business development, discovery solutions, Lonza. “Our broad panel of human-derived primary cells is specifically engineered to enable researchers to develop in vitro model systems that more closely reflect biology in health and disease. This new collaboration with CELLINK will enable our customers to build physiologically-relevant 3D models to accelerate target identification and validation, investigation of mechanisms of action and safety testing in drug discovery."

Ginger Lohman, BioDispensing product manager, CELLINK, said, "Everything we do at CELLINK, from live cell imaging to our innovative bioprinting systems and bioinks, is meant to support our customers with the products and services needed for them to more effectively and efficiently research solutions to some of the most important challenges of our time. Challenges such as cancer therapeutics, regenerative medicine and the testing and development of drugs, to name a few. When it came time to expand our portfolio into complete 3D cell culture workflows, we knew it was critical that we brought the right partner onboard. We’re confident that Lonza is that partner."