CellGS’s PODS® provide sustained, localized and reproducible growth factor delivery with stability, precise control and cost-effectiveness for advanced research and therapeutic applications.
PODS® (Polyhedrin Delivery System) are protein-based micro‑crystals designed as controlled‑release depots for bioactive proteins like growth factors and cytokines. Each crystal is a co‑crystal of a polyhedrin scaffold (95–99.5% by mass) and a cargo protein (e.g. BMP‑2, IL‑2, IL‑10).
How PODS® Work
Stability: The polyhedrin lattice is “super‑dry” (~19% solvent), offering remarkable thermostability—even at elevated temps for months
Sustained release: Proteases (from cells or serum) degrade pores in the crystals, releasing cargo in near zero‑order kinetics over weeks, maintaining steady concentrations and minimizing fluctuations.
Localization: PODS® crystals (~0.2–7 µm, modal 2–3 µm) can be printed, embedded in hydrogels or affixed to surfaces to generate localized gradients in 2D/3D cultures or in vivo.
Advantages Over Conventional Growth Factors
Feature
Conventional GF
PODS® GF
Half-life
Minutes to hours
Stable in storage; released gradually
Concentration control
Bolus dosing → peaks & troughs
Steady, near‑constant levels
Localization
Diffuse; hard to pattern
Easily embedded or printed for local effects
Compatibility
Limited in biomaterials
Integrates with hydrogels, scaffolds
Batch consistency
Variable
High reproducibility
Cost‑effectiveness
Frequent replenishment needed
Single dose lasts for weeks, media changes less often, less hands-on.
PODS® also reduce cell stress caused by concentration swings and lower reagent costs over long protocols.
Human BMP‑2: promotes osteoblastic differentiation; released at ~20% of cargo within 24–48 h; peak levels achieved at ~2 ng/mL per 100 ng input in 10 mL culture
Human IL‑2: supports T cell and NK cell expansion; cross‑species activity with mouse IL‑2 and used in immune cell cultures or cancer immunotherapy research
Human IL‑10: anti‑inflammatory cytokine that modulates macrophage and B‑cell responses, compatible with cross‑species assays
Others available include CNTF, IL‑8, mouse VEGF‑164, mCherry, GFP and luciferase for visualization, and more.
For pricing details and further information about PODS® products, please reach out to your account manager.
Applications in Research & Therapeutics
PODS® have been used to:
Enhance stem‑cell and organoid cultures by offering sustained trophic support while reducing feedings and reagent use—with detectable activity for up to 9 weeks
Create localized growth factor gradients for patterning during 3D bioprinting of tissues like vascular grafts or neuronal scaffolds
Drive macrophage‑mediated delivery in vivo, where phagocytic cells ingest PODS® and transport cargos to tumor or injury sites, offering precision therapeutic potential for cancer and regenerative applications
PODS® technology transforms protein delivery in cell biology and tissue engineering by merging protein stability with precise spatial and temporal control. From embedding growth factors within 3D printed constructs to enabling immune cell–mediated delivery in vivo, PODS® provide researchers with a versatile, efficient, and reproducible platform.
As research progresses toward more physiologically accurate models and therapies, PODS® stand out as a promising tool for controlled protein dosing, gradient generation, and targeted delivery, helping to bridge the gap between in vitro protocols and in vivo therapeutic success.
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