Eberbach, March 2026 – GELITA, a global innovator in gelatin and collagen peptide production, and Black Drop, a specialist in the development of customized 3D bioprinting solutions, have signed a research and development agreement. The collaboration combines GELITA’s in-depth knowledge of hydrogel material science with Black Drop’s vast bioprinting expertise to develop high-performance bioinks for biomedical applications such as three-dimensional tissue models and implants.
Following their common goal to improve 3D bioprinting processes and cell functionality, the two companies will conduct practical application studies to explore opportunities for novel methacrylated gelatin (GelMA) formulations based on GELITA’s MEDELLAPRO® Ultra Low Endotoxin Gelatin. As processing parameters and process control are decisive factors in the functionality of the bioprinted tissue, the development of bioinks must be considered alongside future application potential. In their joint research into new GelMA variants, GELITA and Black Drop are demonstrating how material innovation, and application can be efficiently and effectively combined.
Jannik Stadler, Head of Bioprinting Consumables and Services at Black Drop, says of the partnership: “We see high-performance, clinically usable bioinks as the next crucial step in transferring 3D bioprinting to clinically relevant and industrially scalable applications. It is therefore all the more gratifying that established partners such as GELITA are actively addressing this challenge and working with us to further develop their innovative materials in practical application studies."
Martin Junginger, Global Category Manager Pharma & Bioscience at GELITA, adds: “We have recently launched our MEDELLAPRO® Ultra Low Endotoxin Gelatin with endotoxin levels below 10 EU/g, which is highly suitable for biomedical applications in which gelling properties and purity are key. This partnership will give us the ability to speed up validation of our ingredient solutions in a real-world scenario in order to match the evolving needs of leading researchers in the field of 3D bioprinting solutions.”
MEDELLAPRO® gelatins serve as a biomaterial platform for 3D bioprinting and cell culture in human tissue engineering. In 3D bioprinting, they help mimic native tissue characteristics and support cell adhesion, proliferation and differentiation. As cell culture substrates, MEDELLAPRO® gelatins facilitate reliable cell attachment to surfaces and promote consistent cell growth – providing a practical basis for reproducible, application-focused workflows in biomedical and pharmaceutical research.
About GELITA:
GELITA is the leading company for manufacturing and marketing collagen proteins. Coordinated from headquarters in Eberbach, Germany, GELITA provides customers around the world with products of the highest standard, comprehensive technical expertise and sophisticated solutions. More than 20 sites and a global expert network ensure that state-of-the-art know-how is always available for customers. 150 years of experience in the field of collagen proteins are the basis of GELITA's performance. A strong requirement for innovation is the driving force of the family-owned company that is always looking for new solutions for food, pharmaceutical, health & nutrition as well as for technical applications.
About Black Drop:
Black Drop is a German biotechnology company advancing 3D bioprinting technologies for biomedical research and pharmaceutical applications. From its headquarters in Darmstadt, Germany, and with a presence in Porto, Portugal, Black Drop develops and delivers precision 3D bioprinting hardware, intuitive software, and a range of bioinks to support scientists, research institutions and industry partners worldwide. Its modular platform enables the fabrication of living tissue analogues, supports animal-free drug screening and facilitates the biologization of medical implants, with the aim of accelerating therapeutic development and enabling personalized healthcare solutions. With a multidisciplinary team of biomedical engineers, biologists and software specialists, the company bridges biology and technology to provide tools that integrate seamlessly into complex research workflows and enhance reproducibility and translational potential in life science experimentation. Black Drop collaborates with global partners and contributes to scientific progress through publications, research projects and patented technologies that support its customers at the forefront of regenerative medicine, drug discovery and in-vitro testing.
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