Please visit our distributors’ page to download an instruction manual

Approximately 20-30% of seeded cells attach onto the Honeycomb sponge, although the type of cell and the seeding method may affect attachment.

Some applications include implanting a sponge impregnated with a specific protein to induce nerve cells into the sponge as well as for three-dimensional culture of vascular smooth muscle cells within the sponge. Additional examples with various cell types are available (see list of publications on product page for details).

Collagen Sponge Honeycomb has been used to induce differentiation and transplantation of iPSC-derived neural stem cells.

Add collagenase to final concentration of 0.1% and incubate at 37°C for approximately half an hour.

Similar to tissue samples, Honeycomb sponge can be fixed and/or embedded in paraffin/OCT compound.

Collagen itself has blue autofluorescence. Therefore, fluorescent dyes in the yellow to red wavelengths are recommended to distinguish immunostains. For example, Lipi-Red and DRAQ5 could be used to stain adipocytes and nuclei, respectively. In H&E staining, collagen is stained reddish purple by eosin; it stains darker than the cytoplasm, so if you want to distinguish cells from collagen, consider Masson trichrome staining.

If the transplantation site can be incised, transplanting an atelocollagen product (sponge or membrane) with cells added is possible.
Atelocollagen products:
Collagen Sponge Honeycomb/Honeycomb Disk 96
Collagen Sponge Mighty
Atelocollagen Permeable Membrane

If the site cannot be incised, cells can be mixed with a high concentration of atelocollagen solution and administered locally so that the collagen forms a gel and cells can be transplanted to the injection site.
Product to prepare a highly concentrated atelocollagen solution:
Atelocollagen powder

We estimate that it remains for approximately a month but the duration depends on the transplantation site.

Please contact us as we may be able to produce custom-made products upon your request. You can also cut Honeycomb sponge into smaller pieces with a sharp knife such as a surgical scalpel.