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New Flexible Material Boosts Stem‑Cell Culture Tubes

JapanMonday, May 18, 2026

Mitsubishi Chemical and Sanplatec Collaborate on Advanced Tube Material

Tokyo, Japan — Mitsubishi Chemical has unveiled Zelas TPS, a next-generation thermoplastic elastomer designed to revolutionize cell culturing in regenerative medicine. The material, now integrated into Sanplatec’s iP-TEC regenerative medicine kit, offers superior softness and chemical stability—ideal for medical applications.

A Closed-System Solution for Stem Cell Therapy

Sanplatec’s iP-TEC line enables seamless transfer of stem cells from lab to patient without container opening. The new tubes, made with Zelas TPS, enhance cell growth compared to traditional PVC alternatives, a critical factor for therapies requiring high cell yields.

Key Advantages of Zelas TPS

  • Superior Cell Growth: Tests confirm better stem cell proliferation than PVC tubes.
  • Sterilization Resilience: Withstands autoclaving and gamma radiation, ensuring safety.
  • Heat-Seal Compatibility: Maintains a closed system while allowing nutrient flow.
  • Medical-Grade Reliability: Already proven in drug packaging and medical tubing.

Strategic Expansion in Medical Innovation

This collaboration aligns with Mitsubishi Chemical’s KAITEKI Vision 35, a long-term strategy to advance medical and life-science products. The company plans to introduce more elastomers for regenerative medicine and healthcare tools.

"This partnership marks a significant step in closed-system regenerative medicine," said a Mitsubishi Chemical spokesperson. "Zelas TPS ensures efficiency, safety, and scalability for future therapies."

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