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Overview

The variotis™ scaffold is a laboratory tool that enables you to culture cells in 3D, leading to a higher cell yield than standard 2D cell culture. The variotis™ scaffold is a versatile bioactive-bioabsorbable system comprising a synthetic composite that enhances cell attachment and proliferation. The tissue conductive portion is highly interconnected and porous (>95%) while still attaining exceptional tear strength and failure strain. The unique design of the core allows for conduction of both soft and hard tissue followed by gradual resorption without causing adverse reactions or large shifts in pH. The porosity of the scaffold may be modified with precision by the user by employing the Varioset™ kit.

Variotis™ Scaffold Dimensions

Rectangular – 18w x 19d x 11h mm (+/- 1mm) (fits 6-well plate)
Cylindrical – ØD6 mm by 11h mm (fits 96- and 24-well plate)

Height of cylindrical scaffolds can be tailored upon request.

Variotis™ Scaffold Quantities

Rectangular: Each pack includes 18 scaffolds
Cylindrical: Each pack includes 24 scaffolds

Costs (USD, Incl GST (tax))

VARIOTIS™

BIOGLASS COATED VARIOTIS™

• Gamma sterilisation incurs 10% surcharge
• Does not include shipping costs

Abstract. The manufacturing process for in vitro tissue culture products and medical devices relies on a validated sterilization route for ensuring product sterility, safety and performance. Two key aspects that contribute toward final sterilization validation are (1) the reliable estimation of product bioburden and (2) the development of a proficient sterile packaging system. Bioabsorbable composite systems and architecture of tissue scaffolds can lead to numerous challenges for bioburden testing and packaging design. This study is concerned with the development of bioburden assessment methods and packaging systems for Variotis™; a soft tissue engineering scaffold. A bioburden test method relying on mechanical agitation was established. Bioburden assessment was achieved by recovering Geobacillus stearothermophilus spore inoculant for analysis. A packaging system was developed which provides adequate protection for Variotis™ scaffolds while meeting other user/sterilization requirements for research grade product. The guidelines and design approaches included in this study are generally applicable to other tissue engineering scaffold and medical devices.

Abstract: Tissue engineering will play an increasingly vital role in cancer research. Provision of biomimetic microenvironment systems for in vitro cancer models can be addressed in part by utilizing thick 3D scaffolds with high interconnective porosity . This approach gives rise to new analytical challenges and opportunities. In this preliminary study, Variotis™ synthetic scaffolds of high interconnected porosity and hierarchical structure were used. An effective macroscopic porosity of 94.3 ±1.74 vol% was attained by using microCT and finite element methods. The actual porosity was determined to be 94.6±0.29 vol%. Scaffolds were compressed in a customized jig to thicknesses of 99.5 mm, 74.6 mm, 46.3 mm (±0.5% tolerance) and then annealed to set respective porosities of 94.3 vol%, 93.2 vol%, 89.5 vol% (±1.5% tolerance). Scaffolds were then sectioned to 2mm thickness. DLD-1 colon cancer cells were grown on 3D scaffolds of three specified porosities for varying periods of time then imaged using confocal and scanning electron microscopy methods. Hoechst staining resulted with minimal scaffold autofluoresence while autofluoresence exceeded useful limits when used in conjunction with Alexa488-phalloidin under argon laser excitation in confocal microscopy. Using Hoechst staining, DLD-1 cells (nuclei) were observed to readily attach and proliferate on Variotis™ scaffolds. Normal DLD-1 cell morphologies were evident using scanning electron microscopy. The high interconnected porosity of the scaffolds allowed cells to be observed deep within scaffolds. Scaffolds remained structurally stable and unified throughout all culture experiments and provided ease of handling during cell culture and microscopy.