Singapore: Sigma-Aldrich, bioscience and technology company, is set to commercialize a kit for hand-driven, self-encapsulation of cells, designed by the Singapore based biotech company Austrianova using its Cell-in-a-Box technology.

Austrianova has conceptualized the approach for lab-scale encapsulation of any kind of living cells. Mr Brian Salmons, CEO, Austrianova commented, "The idea behind the kit was to leverage on the global distribution network of Sigma-Aldrich to provide researchers and companies alike with the ability to undertake early stage tests at low cost and without the need for specialized equipment and training."

Mr John Dangerfield, COO, Austrianova, responsible for development of the kit with his team at Austrianova's R&D facility in Singapore, added that, "The Sigma-Aldrich Kit allows Cell-in-a-Box technology to be used in the lab to look at cell viability, cellgrowth and release of biomolecules from the capsules as well as more practical aspects such as cryopreservation for storage and transport".