JellaGel™: Gelling Protocol

A step-by-step photo guide and video are also available further down this page.

PLEASE NOTE: The protocol is for gelling the material only, different applications, quantities and set up can be used.

Please contact us for any assistance.

Pre-requisite: Prepare Reagents

● 10X Phosphate-buffered saline (PBS, with 25mg/litre phenol red)
● 2M Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution
● 0.2M NaOH solution
● Pre-harvest cells for addition to the hydrogel pre-incubation (Step 7)

Step 1

• Prepare reagents and centrifuge JellaGel material at 4°C to remove bubbles.

Step 2

• Transfer JellaGel material into vessel of choice. Preferably a round, wide bottom vessel that will allow for efficient mixing.

Step 3

• Add 10x PBS with 25mg/litre Phenol Red in a ratio of 9:1 of Collagen:PBS.

Step 4

• Under constant (gentle) stirring, add 2M Sodium Hydroxide Solution at 2% of total volume (e.g. add 88ul to 4.4ml collagen). Make sure to minimise bubble formulation and ensure the solution is homogeneous (uniformly coloured solution) before continuing to the next step.

Step 5

• Continue dropwise addition of 2M NaOH until ‘peach’ like colour is reached (refer to colour chart). Make sure the solution is homogeneous before adding more 2M NaOH.

Step 6

• Use 0.2M Sodium Hydroxide to make minor adjustments to reach pH 7.4. Do not exceed pH 7.4. pH must be confirmed using pH paper or pH probe.

Step 7

• Add pelleted cells immediately, distribute evenly by stirring/swirling, then stop agitation and leave stationary at room temperature for 15 minutes.
  Take care not to agitate the gel during this time.

Step 8

• Carefully transfer the preparate to an incubator at 37°C for 45-60 minutes without agitating until the hydrogel has fully contracted.

Step 9

•  Aspirate excess media from around the hydrogel and replace with fresh cell media of choice.

Download protocol