Leading Japanese stem cell company invests in Durham technology

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. You can change your cookie settings at any time. Otherwise, we'll assume you're OK to continue. Leading Japanese stem cell company invests in Durham technology One of the world's leading suppliers of stem cells has joined forces with Durham University to develop technology enabling heart, liver and nerve cells to be cultured into tissue in three-dimensional shapes. The Japanese company Reprocell has acquired Durham spin-out Reinnervate Ltd and agreed to invest in further research in the University's laboratories into scaffolding structures that support 3D cell growth. Reinnervate was spun out by Durham University in 2002 and markets Alvetex, a highly porous polystyrene material that is an ideal base for growing cells into 3D structures. Laboratory experiments on cells, for example in cancer research and drug testing, often yield more accurate results when the cells are cultured into 3D rather than 2D shapes in conventional laboratory dishes.