Advance Your Animal-Free Research with RocketCell™ Xeno-Free Media

Redefining 3D Cell Culture with Fully Defined Xeno-Free Systems

As research models become more predictive, complex and ethically responsible, the need for fully defined, animal-component-free culture systems has never been greater. Through our partnership with TheWell Bioscience, Tebubio now brings you the RocketCell™ range of xeno-free media and hydrogel systems, designed to support robust, scalable and reproducible 3D cell culture for iPSCs, neural stem cells, and organoids. Whether you are developing advanced in vitro models, scaling up pluripotent stem cells, or building physiologically relevant neuronal networks, RocketCell™ solutions are engineered to remove variability, simplify workflows and protect experimental integrity.

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

RocketCell™ 3D iPSC Xeno-Free Complete Growth Kit

Expanding human iPSCs in 3D should not mean compromising on consistency or pluripotency. The RocketCell™ 3D iPSC Xeno-Free Complete Growth Kit is a fully defined, animal-component-free, all-in-one system optimised for 3D expansion of iPSCs and hESCs within VitroGel® STEM hydrogel.

Designed Around Your Lab Challenges:

• Weekend-friendly workflow: Alternate-day feeding reduces handling, with no pre-coating needed overnight.

• All-in-one, fully defined: Ready-to-use xeno-free medium + 3D hydrogel, room-temperature stable and tested in-house.

• Scales in 3D: Up to 10× higher seeding density than 2D for efficient expansion and more replicates.

• Pluripotency maintained: Uniform spheroids retain key markers (Lin28, Oct4, Nanog, Tra-1-60), supporting NAM-aligned workflows.

• Reliable morphology & viability: Works with single cells or small colonies for consistent recovery after passaging.

RocketCell™ 3D iPSC Xeno-Free Complete Growth Kit, an all-in-one xeno-free kit with optimised matrix, medium, and reagents for 3D iPSC expansion. Maximise iPSC expansion performance by pairing RocketCell™ with VitroPrime™ Spread-Attach Plates, designed to improve gel spreading and reduce hydrogel floating—so your 3D cultures stay consistent, stable and easier to handle.

Figure 1: 3D Expansion of Human iPSCs in RocketCell™ 3D iPSC Xeno-Free Complete Growth Kit​. Representative time-lapse micrographs show human iPSCs transitioning from single cells and small aggregates into uniform 3D spheroids within the VitroGel® STEM hydrogel (seeded cells from a 2D source on Day 0). The spheroids exhibit consistent morphology and reach diameters of approximately 85–100 μm after several days in culture.

See the Medium in Action

Neural Stem Cells & Neuronal Cultures

RocketCell™ 3D NSC Xeno-Free Complete Growth Kit

Reproducibility and long-term multipotency are critical in neural models. The RocketCell™ NSC Xeno-Free Complete Growth Kit is a ready-to-use, fully defined system combining synthetic hydrogel and xeno-free complete medium for reliable expansion of human NSCs in both 2D and 3D formats.

Built for Complex Neural Models

• True 3D NSC support: Culture single cells or spheroids in VitroGel® NEURON (200× dilution vs animal-derived ECM).

• Stronger connectivity: Encourages robust axonal outgrowth and in vivo-like network formation.

• Optimised all-in-one pairing: Defined hydrogel + xeno-free medium to reduce variability and improve reproducibility.

• Long-term stability: Maintain NSCs >4 weeks with minimal spontaneous differentiation, preserving multipotency.

Figure 2. RocketCell™ NSC Xeno-Free Complete Growth Kit supports the expansion of NSC spheroids for differentiation with the RocketCell™ NSC-Neuron Differentiation Kit​. iPSCs were 3D cultured in RocketCell™ 3D Xeno-Free IPSC Xeno-Free Growth Kit and were differentiated into Floor Plate Neuro-Epithelial Spheroids. The spheroids were recovered from the gel using VitroGel® Organoid Recovery Solution and 3D cultured with the RocketCell™ NSC Xeno-Free Complete Growth Kit. The cells were then differentiated into neurons with the RocketCell™ NSC-Neuron Differentiation Growth Medium. The samples were fixed and stained to evaluate the expression of (A) Microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2; green), (B) Neurofilament-H (red), and (C) Synaptophysin (purple). The nuclei were stained with Hoescht dye.

See the Medium in Action

Organoid Development

RocketCell™ Organoid Xeno-Free Essential-Core Medium

Organoid culture often requires complex supplementation strategies that introduce variability. The RocketCell™ Organoid Xeno-Free Essential-Core Medium simplifies your workflow by providing a complete foundational medium containing essential supplements for long-term organoid development.

Why Researchers Choose It

• Replaces separate addition of N2 and B27 supplements

• Provides consistent nutritional support for sustained organoid growth

• Compatible with both synthetic and animal-derived hydrogels

• Streamlines media preparation and reduces variability

By consolidating key components into a defined essential core medium, you gain greater control over experimental conditions while maintaining flexibility in matrix selection.

Supporting Your Full Workflow

The RocketCell™ line also includes solutions for 2D cell culture.

For 2D systems, please note that an appropriate coating substrate (e.g., vitronectin or fibronectin) is required.

Choosing the right matrix is critical. Talk to our experts early in your project to stay ahead and prevent costly setbacks!

• Reference

  
  Article content created by Tebubio using courtesy materials provided by TheWell Bioscience Inc..