About the Product
What is Kraken Collagen Hydrogel?
Kraken Collagen Hydrogel is a type I atelocollagen derived from bovine pericardium and designed for in vitro tissue modelling Regenerative Medicine research.
What distinguishes Kraken Collagen Hydrogel from other collagen systems?
Kraken Collagen Hydrogel is the first ‘True Hydrogel’ that produces controlled, homogenous fibrillogenesis. The linear fibril alignment creates an environment that cells respond to, promoting cell migration and transduction.
What research applications is Kraken Collagen Hydrogel suitable for?
The hydrogel is designed for in vitro use in:
- Extrusion-based 3D bioprinting
- 3D cell culture and ECM-based assays
- Organoid growth and support
- Tissue engineering and regeneration models
- Mechanobiology studies
- Application-specific optimization may be required
Is Kraken Collagen Hydrogel ready to use upon receipt?
Yes. Kraken Collagen Hydrogel is supplied at physiological pH and can be used directly for casting, extrusion, and cell encapsulation without a separate neutralisation step.
Product Composition and Specifications
What is the supplied collagen concentration?
Kraken Collagen Hydrogel is supplied at 18 mg/mL.
Where can I find the specification for Kraken Collagen Hydrogel?
The full product specification is available on our website under Resources. You can download it there.
Is Kraken Collagen Hydrogel sterile?
The hydrogel is sterilized using a proprietary method during the manufacturing process. Aseptic technique should be maintained throughout use to maintain sterility.
Printing Parameters
What printers and extrusion systems is Kraken Collagen Hydrogel compatible with?
Kraken Collagen Hydrogel is designed for most pneumatic and mechanical extrusion bioprinters using standard luer-lock syringes and needles. Contact us for verified compatibility with specific systems (e.g., CELLINK, Allevi, RegenHU).
What resolution can be achieved using Kraken Collagen Hydrogel?
Kraken Collagen Hydrogel may provide resolution to 50 µm.
What extrusion conditions are recommended?
For extrusion-based workflows, optimal performance is observed when extruding at 6-10 °C (43-50 °F) through a 21 gauge needle.
Is a support bath required for all applications?
No. Simple geometries may not require a support bath, but complex or free-standing structures will require a support bath. Resources
Preparation and Use
Where can I find the Instructions for Use?
Instructions for use are available for download online. Scan the QR code on the Kraken Collagen Hydrogel packaging for direct access to the Instructions for Use.
Are there any special handling requirements?
As Kraken Collagen Hydrogel is thermally crosslinked, it is recommended to keep the temperature at 2-8 °C (36-46 °F) during storage and handling. All components used in the preparation such as nozzles, culture media and syringes should be chilled prior to use to minimize temperature fluctuations.
Can cells be encapsulated directly within the hydrogel?
Yes. Cells can be incorporated directly into Kraken Collagen Hydrogel prior to casting or extrusion. Care should be taken to minimise shear stress during mixing and extrusion, particularly for shear-sensitive cell types.
Does Kraken Collagen Hydrogel extrude easily without damaging cells?
The Kraken Collagen Hydrogel has a high shear-thinning profile, which allows it to extrude smoothly at low pressure. This reduces shear stress on cells during printing or dispensing.
Does Kraken Collagen Hydrogel require crosslinking agents or additives?
No, Kraken Collagen Hydrogel is thermally crosslinked, so there is no need for any chemical crosslinking agents or additional additives.
How long does gelation take?
Once transferred to 37 °C (98.6 °F), gelation typically occurs over 60-90 minutes. Constructs should stabilize completely before further handling.
Can Kraken Collagen Hydrogel be used for all cell types?
Kraken Collagen Hydrogel is optimized for mammalian cell types commonly used in 3D bioprinting (fibroblasts, endothelial, epithelial, stem cells). Different stiffness gradients can be tuned to better suit specific cell preferences.
Is it suitable for long-term culture?
Yes. Live/dead assays show high fibroblast viability and proliferation over 14 days, with robust network formation and maintained phenotype.
Storage and Stability
How should the hydrogel be stored?
Store at 2–8 °C (36-46 °F). Do not freeze. Protect from light and maintain sterile handling conditions.
Can partially used syringes be stored and reused?
Reuse is not recommended, as repeated thermal cycling can affect material behaviour and sterility. It is recommended to dispense the required amount into a separate, sterile syringe and return the remaining product to the fridge.
What is the shelf-life?
The shelf life of Kraken Collagen Hydrogel is 6 months. Please refer to the package label for manufacturing date.
Safety & Regulatory
Are there any safety precautions?
Working with Kraken Collagen Hydrogel is generally low risk however, we recommend using Personal Protective Equipment such as gloves, coats and eye protection. If using other reagents or 3D bioprinting, follow the manufacturer's instructions for safety.
Is Kraken Collagen Hydrogel suitable for clinical use?
No. Kraken Collagen Hydrogel is supplied for Research Use Only (RUO) and is not intended for clinical or therapeutic use.
Is the collagen animal derived?
Yes, Kraken Collagen Hydrogel is sourced from the manufacturing streams of the meat industry.
Are your products free from BSE/TSE risk?
Yes. Our collagen is sourced and manufactured from BSE/TSE negligible countries and traceability is maintained throughout the manufacturing process according to ISO 22442-2 standards.
Under what standard is Kraken Collagen Hydrogel manufactured?
Kraken Collagen Hydrogel is not yet ISO 13485 certified but adheres to stringent Quality Management System processes, including in-process and final quality control testing.
Ordering and Shipping
How do I order?
You can order directly through our website www.krakenregen.com for quick and easy delivery.
What formats or volumes are available?
Kraken Collagen Hydrogel is available as a gel only. A single pack is sold in 5 mL syringes, which is available as a single unit.
Where is Kraken Collagen Hydrogel available?
Currently, Kraken Collagen Hydrogel is only available for purchase in the USA and Australia.
How long does it take to receive my order?
Kraken Regen distributes from several locations in the USA and Australia. Delivery times may vary.
I have not received my order, what should I do?
Check the tracking information provided. If you are still experiencing issues, please contact us at support@krakenregen.com.
Support
I have a problem with the performance of the product. Is technical support available?
If your question has not been answered in our FAQs or you have feedback regarding the product, please contact us at support@krakenregen.com and our team will assist you as soon as possible.
