The bioprinting industry is advancing, with new materials playing a critical role in pushing the boundaries of regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, and biomedical innovation. One of the latest breakthroughs comes from GELITA, which has introduced MEDELLAPRO®, an endotoxin-controlled gelatin designed specifically for 3D bioprinting, cell culturing, and medical implants.
This high-purity biomaterial offers safety, biocompatibility, and printability for medical applications. But how is it made, how has it been used in the past, and what does the future hold for MEDELLAPRO®?
How is MEDELLAPRO® Made?
The Science Behind Endotoxin-Controlled Gelatin
Unlike standard gelatin, which contains endotoxins—bacterial byproducts that can trigger immune responses—MEDELLAPRO® undergoes a specialized purification process to remove these contaminants, making it safer for biomedical use.
Production Process
1️⃣ Sourcing & Selection
- MEDELLAPRO® is derived from collagen-rich animal tissues, primarily pork skin (PS) and bovine bone (LBB), which are pharmaceutical and medical-grade approved.
- The raw materials meet ISO 22442 traceability standards, ensuring virus safety and batch consistency.
2️⃣ Endotoxin Removal & Purification
- Sterile Water Washes & pH Control: Further eliminates bacterial byproducts while maintaining gelatin integrity and stability.
- High-Purity Processing: Reduces endotoxin levels to ≤100 EU/g, significantly lower than standard gelatin.
3️⃣ Customization for Bioprinting & Medical Use
- MEDELLAPRO® is optimized with specific molecular weight distributions to enhance its printability, degradation rate, and bioactivity for different applications.
- It offers batch-to-batch consistency for regulatory compliance and ensures high reproducibility in bioprinting research and medical applications.
How MEDELLAPRO® Has Been Used in the Past
While MEDELLAPRO® represents a new class of biomaterials, gelatin-based hydrogels have been used in biomedicine and biotechnology for decades. Key historical applications include:
✅ Tissue Engineering & Wound Healing – Gelatin scaffolds have been used in regenerative medicine to promote cell adhesion, growth, and differentiation for cartilage, bone, and skin repair.
✅ Surgical Hemostatic Agents – Gelatin sponges and foams have been widely used in surgical procedures to control bleeding and promote clotting.
✅ Drug Delivery Systems – Gelatin-based carriers have been used to control the release of drugs and bioactive molecules for targeted therapies.
✅ Vaccine Stabilization (VACCIPRO®) – GELITA’s VACCIPRO®, a related gelatin excipient, has been a gold-standard stabilizer for vaccine formulations, ensuring potency and extended shelf life.
These early gelatin applications paved the way for the advanced endotoxin-controlled formulations seen in MEDELLAPRO® today.
How MEDELLAPRO® Will Be Used in the Future
The future of MEDELLAPRO® is in its adaptability for next-generation bioprinting and regenerative medicine. Its low endotoxin levels, high biocompatibility, and tunable properties make it promising for cutting-edge biofabrication technologies.
Emerging Applications of MEDELLAPRO® in Bioprinting & Medicine
🚀 3D Bioprinted Tissue Scaffolds
🧬 Cell Culture & Regenerative Medicine
🥩 Cell-Cultured Meat
💊 Advanced Drug Delivery Systems
🫀 Biofabricated Implants & Medical Devices
- The future of patient-specific implants could see MEDELLAPRO® used in vascular grafts, surgical adhesives, and bioresorbable implants.
- Could replace human autografts, reducing surgical risks and costs while improving patient outcomes.
Final Thoughts: The Future of Bioprinting with MEDELLAPRO®
With MEDELLAPRO®, GELITA is shaping the future of bioprinting by offering a next-generation biomaterial that ensures safety, consistency, and advanced biofunctionality. Its ultra-low endotoxin profile opens new possibilities in personalized medicine, biofabrication, and pharmaceutical development.
As bioprinting technology advances, materials like MEDELLAPRO® will be essential in bringing functional, clinically relevant bioprinted tissues to real-world medical applications.
For more info check out their website here.
The Business of Biofabrication 
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