https://bio.nikkeibp.co.jp/atcl/news/p1/25/03/20/13104/

Kuraray has introduced Scapova, a bead-shaped scaffolding material (microcarrier) derived from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), for efficient cell proliferation through 3D culture. The beads are made by chemically modifying and crosslinking PVA to form beads with a diameter of 200 μm, which are then coated with collagen for cell adhesion. The cells can move autonomously between the microcarriers, and grow while moving to microcarriers with open surfaces. This is expected to save space compared to flat culture, shorten culture time, and lead to automation of culture. Itagaki says, “Human stem cells and fibroblasts can be grown with high efficiency. Even when stirred, the rate of finely crushed material that becomes impurities is extremely low, and it is transparent, making it easy to observe the cells during culture. In addition to collagen, the matrix can also be coated with a substance of the customer’s choice.