HYBRIGEL · Highly functional and chemically defined hybrid supramolecular hydrogels for organoid culture and multi-technology bioprinting (HYBRIGEL)

There is a growing need for reproducible, human-relevant in vitro models to advance biomedical research and drug discovery. Current 3D culture systems often fail to replicate the complexity of native tissues, contributing to poor clinical translation rates and limiting the development of animal-free testing platforms. While organoid technologies and biofabrication methods offer promising solutions, their progress is constrained by the lack of standardized, scalable biomaterials. Widely used matrices such as Matrigel, derived from laminin-rich tumor extracts, suffer from batch variability, undefined composition, and poor compatibility with advanced manufacturing techniques. Building on my ERC-funded VOLUME-BIO project, we have developed HYBRIGEL, a novel, chemically-defined hydrogel designed to address these limitations. HYBRIGEL is based on abundantly available gelatin, modified with reversible supramolecular interactions in addition to covalent crosslinking. This creates a dynamic, cell-responsive environment that promotes tissue remodeling, cell migration, and mechanotransduction—without requiring additional bioactive peptides. HYBRIGEL supports diverse cell types, including organoids, mesenchymal stem cells, vascular cells, and T cells. HYBRIGEL’s enhanced mechanical stability allows for the creation of complex, biomimetic structures through biofabrication techniques such as volumetric bioprinting. Its reproducibility, scalability, and manufacturing efficiency position it as a strong candidate for widespread adoption in both research and pharmaceutical applications. This project will advance HYBRIGEL towards commercial exploitation by expanding its validation across multiple organoid types and demonstrating scalable production processes. A comprehensive market analysis will inform the commercialization strategy, with an envisioned focus on licensing the technology to established industry partners.