Bio-Techne Reinvents the Scaffold: Synthetic Alternative Set to Standardize 3D Stem Cell Research
Published: 25 Mar 2026
Author: Precedence Research
Bio-Techne Corporation (NASDAQ: TECH), a global provider of life science tools, reagents, and diagnostic products, has announced the launch of the Cultrex™ Synthetic Hydrogel. This fully defined synthetic extracellular matrix (ECM) is designed to enable reproducible and scalable 3D stem cell and organoid research. The release of this product strengthens Bio-Techne's established Cultrex ECM portfolio, offering researchers a synthetic alternative that reduces lot-to-lot variability while supporting translational and regulatory-compliant research workflows alongside the Company's widely used traditional matrices.
Bio-Techne Expands Portfolio with Regulatory-Aligned Synthetic Matrix
Cultrex Synthetic Hydrogel is specifically designed to aid the use of 3D organoid models in various fields, such as drug screening, toxicology, and personalized medicine. It reduces reliance on matrices sourced from animal components and encourages the wider use of new approach methodologies (NAMs). By avoiding the biological variability typical of traditional ECMs, this hydrogel helps researchers standardize experimental conditions across different studies and laboratories, leading to more consistent and reliable organoid culture.
According to Precedence Research, the Synthetic Stem Cells Market size accounted for USD 9.10 billion in 2025 and is predicted to increase from USD 11.25 billion in 2026 to approximately USD 75.72 billion by 2035, expanding at a CAGR of 23.60% from 2026 to 2035 as demand grows for rapid the need to overcome limitations of natural stem cells, such as immune rejection, ethical concerns regarding embryonic sources, and tumor formation risks.
Cultrex Synthetic Hydrogel aligns with the FDA's main goal of promoting innovation to improve translational results by offering a more reliable platform for preclinical studies. Due to the regulatory push for better integration of NAMs in the pharmaceutical industry, researchers are increasingly seeking tools that improve the scalability, consistency, and documentation of organoid workflows.
Bio-Techne’s Synthetic Breakthrough Empowers High-Throughput 3D Stem Cell Research
The launch of Cultrex Synthetic Hydrogel represents a major step forward in the broader use of organoid models, supporting research that meets both translational and regulatory standards. Its carefully controlled formulation guarantees consistency and traceability as projects move towards studies needing regulatory approval.
This release also expands Bio-Techne's wide array of solutions for stem cell and organoid culture, which features Cultrex Basement Membrane Extracts (BME), recombinant cytokines, growth factors, AI-enhanced proteins, small molecules, media, and supplements. Together, these products provide researchers with the flexibility to select ECM solutions that fulfill their experimental, scalability, and regulatory needs.
A recent report by Precedence Research highlights that the Synthetic Stem Cells Market is benefiting from rising R&D investments, advancements in regenerative medicine, superior preservation stability, and growing demand for targeted therapies in cardiovascular and neurological diseases.