About Kuraray’s microcarriers
SCAPOVA™ microcarriers are polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-based microcarriers developed by Kuraray. The high transparency of the PVA hydrogel enables clear observation of cells. In addition, due to the nature of the material, PVA hydrogel is resistant to mechanical impacts like stirring, and the risk of contamination from fragments can be reduced. Two product options are available. SCAPOVA™ CL features a Type I collagen-modified surface, while SCAPOVA™ AS features an activated surface that can be coated with selected cell-adhesion molecules.
Ease of handling
SCAPOVA™ microcarriers are supplied ready to use. No additional sterilization or washing is required before use. The microcarriers hydrate rapidly in PBS or culture medium and become highly transparent. This transparency facilitates clear cell observation using phase-contrast microscopy.
The high transparency of the PVA hydrogel facilitates microscopic observation of cells.
Immediately after adding SCAPOVA™ CL to the culture medium
Ten seconds after adding SCAPOVA™ CL to the culture medium
Safety testing
SCAPOVA™ microcarriers are manufactured and quality-controlled under an ISO 9001-certified quality management system. Due to the nature of the materials, it is resistant to mechanical impacts like stirring, which helps reduce the risk of foreign matter contamination from broken pieces.
PVA Microcarrier Compression Test
| Safety test | Result |
|---|---|
| Cytotoxicity Genotoxicity Acute systemic toxicity Implantation | Negative |
*These tests were conducted using SCAPOVA™ CL. A sheet-form PVA hydrogel sample was used for the implantation test.
How to use SCAPOVA™
SCAPOVA™ microcarriers
SCAPOVA™ microcarriers are surface-modified PVA hydrogel microcarriers.
Select the surface option based on the intended cell type and culture conditions.
Collagen-coated
SCAPOVA™ CL
A Type I collagen-modified PVA hydrogel microcarrier evaluated with multiple adherent cell types.
PVA hydrogel
Surface activated
SCAPOVA™ AS
A surface-activated PVA hydrogel microcarrier for coating with selected cell-adhesion molecules.
