Gelatex : Weaving a Better Future with Nanofibers

Gelatex Technologies, founded in 2016 by Märt-Erik Martens and Mari-Ann Meigo-Fonseca in Tallinn, Estonia, specializes in the high-throughput manufacturing of nanofibrous materials. Their proprietary halospinning technology enables the rapid and cost-effective production of nanofibers, which are essential in various industries, including cultured meat, tissue engineering, and sustainable materials.
The company’s innovative approach addresses the limitations of traditional nanofiber production methods, such as electrospinning, by offering a scalable solution that significantly reduces costs. Gelatex’s materials are designed to mimic the extracellular matrix structure found in natural tissues, providing a suitable environment for cell growth and differentiation. This makes them ideal for applications in 3D cell culture and tissue engineering.
By focusing on sustainable and efficient production processes, Gelatex aims to facilitate the widespread adoption of nanofibers across various sectors, contributing to a healthier and more sustainable world. The company’s headquarters remain in Tallinn, Estonia, where they continue to develop and refine their technologies to meet the growing demand for advanced nanofibrous materials.
From College Labs to Big Slabs: The Tale of Gelatex’s Bold Beginning
Gelatex Technologies was founded in 2016 by two Estonian entrepreneurs, Märt-Erik Martens and Mari-Ann Meigo Fonseca. The company originated from a university research project aimed at creating sustainable materials. Initially, the founders focused on developing a leather-like textile made from gelatin derived from low-value waste in the meat and leather industries. This innovative approach aimed to produce eco-friendly materials on a large scale, reducing environmental impact.
In 2016, the team participated in the Climate Launchpad competition with their idea of producing leather-like textiles using gelatin nanofibers. Their concept won the competition, leading to the official registration of Gelatex Technologies OÜ in Tallinn, Estonia.
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 prompted Gelatex to pivot its focus. Recognizing the potential of their technology in the medical sector, they began mass-producing nanofiber filtering material for face masks. Consequently, Gelatex shifted towards producing nanofibrous materials for cultured meat, 3D cell culture, and tissue engineering. By 2024, Gelatex had established itself as a leading materials technology company specializing in high-throughput manufacturing of nanofibrous materials.
Märt-Erik Martens
Märt-Erik Martens is a distinguished professional and entrepreneur with a profound interest in innovative technologies and eco-materials. As the Co-Founder and CEO of Gelatex, Martens has been at the forefront of disrupting the nanofibers market. Martens has an extensive background in engineering, materials science, and project management. He earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Materials Science from the prestigious University of Tartu, focusing on biomaterials and nanomaterials during his academic tenure. Prior to his role at Gelatex, Martens served as a Mechanical Engineer at Tarmetec Ltd. Beyond his professional achievements, Martens is also an accomplished speaker, sharing his insights as part of TEDxTallinn.
Mari-Ann Meigo Fonseca
Mari-Ann Meigo Fonseca is a visionary entrepreneur and innovator with a passion for sustainability and cutting-edge technologies. She co-founded Gelatex Technologies and serves as the Chief Operating Officer (COO). Mari-Ann’s academic journey is marked by excellence and a focus on interdisciplinary learning. She earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Entrepreneurship and Technology Management from the University of Tartu, graduating cum laude. Her thesis explored factors influencing Estonian startup entrepreneurs’ decision-making. She also holds a Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc) in Technical Design and Technology of Apparel from Tallinn University of Applied Sciences.
Before founding Gelatex, Mari-Ann held several impactful roles that shaped her expertise. She served as a Business Consultant and Project Manager at Tallinn Business Incubators, Product Development Technologist at Solhjell Baltic OÜ and Baltic Intertex OÜ. Beyond her professional responsibilities, Mari-Ann is an advocate for knowledge sharing and community building. She volunteered at the European Innovation Academy, assisting in mentor management and program organization.
A Tangled Web: How Nanofibers Are Threading Through Global Markets
The nanofiber market has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by advancements in nanotechnology and increasing demand across various industries. In 2023, the global nanofiber market was valued at approximately USD 2.28 billion and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.8% from 2024 to 2030, reaching an estimated USD 4.32 billion by the end of the forecast period. (Grand View Research)
This growth is primarily attributed to the unique properties of nanofibers, such as their high surface-area-to-volume ratio and porosity, which make them ideal for applications in healthcare, filtration, and electronics. The medical and pharmaceutical industries, in particular, have seen increased utilization of nanofibers in drug delivery systems, tissue engineering, and wound dressings.
Regionally, Asia-Pacific dominates the nanofiber market, driven by expanding industrial sectors and increased research and development activities. North America and Europe also hold significant market shares, with ongoing technological advancements and strong industrial bases contributing to market growth. (Mordor Intelligence)
Mission Spun Possible: Gelatex’s Vision for a Sustainable World
Mission and Vision
Gelatex’s mission is to enable a more sustainable and healthy world through nanofiber innovation. They aim to facilitate the use of nanofibers across various industrial sectors, including clean food, medical applications, and sustainable materials.
Problems They Solve
The company addresses several critical challenges in modern industries. Traditional nanofiber production methods are often slow and expensive, limiting their widespread application. Gelatex’s halospinning technology offers a faster and more cost-effective solution, making nanofibers more accessible for large-scale use. In the cultured meat industry, their nanofibrous scaffolds provide the necessary structure for cell growth, facilitating the production of lab-grown meat. In medical fields, their materials support tissue engineering and 3D cell culture, advancing regenerative medicine and research.
Business Model
Gelatex operates on a business-to-business model, providing nanofibrous materials and related services to companies and research institutions. They offer products for 3D cell culture and tissue engineering, as well as customized solutions tailored to specific client needs. Their services include contract development, mass production of nanofibers, and licensing of their halospinning technology for in-house production.
The Fabric of Innovation: Gelatex’s Products and Features You Can’t Tear Apart
Cultured Meat Scaffolds
Gelatex Technologies has introduced Muskel™, a groundbreaking line of food-grade, animal-free nanofibrous scaffolds and microcarriers designed to revolutionize the production of cultured meat. These innovative materials are integral for scalable and efficient cultivation of meat products, aiming to replicate the taste and texture of traditionally sourced meat.
Traditional livestock-based meat production consumes 30% of Earth’s land, contributes 15% of global greenhouse gas emissions, uses 27% of freshwater resources, and depends on 70% of the world’s antibiotics. Cultured meat, on the other hand, offers a sustainable alternative. It requires 99% less land, reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 78-96%, lowers water consumption by 82-96%, and eliminates the need for antibiotics entirely.
How Muskel™ Contributes to Cultured Meat Production
Cultured meat production begins with a small sample of animal cells, which are cultivated in a nutrient-rich medium inside a bioreactor. These cells grow and multiply, and depending on the desired product, are either seeded on scaffolds for structured meat (e.g., steaks, fillets) or processed into unstructured meat products (e.g., sausages, nuggets).
Gelatex’s scaffolds and microcarriers play a pivotal role in this process:
- Scaffolds: These 3D nanofibrous structures mimic the natural extracellular matrix (ECM), supporting cell differentiation and muscle tissue formation for structured, steak-like meat that looks, feels, and tastes like conventional meat.
- Microcarriers: These provide additional surface area within bioreactors, boosting cell proliferation and increasing cell density efficiently.
Unique Benefits of Gelatex Scaffolds and Microcarriers
- 3D Structure Mimicking Natural ECM: The nanofibrous scaffolds closely replicate the physical properties of natural ECM, promoting better cell migration, attachment, and proliferation.
- Cost Efficiency: Muskel™ is produced using Gelatex’s patented halospinning technology, which reduces production costs by 90%.
- Compatibility: These materials are versatile and compatible with many cell lines, ensuring broad applicability.
- Stable Quality: Gelatex ensures consistent quality, crucial for scalable mass production.
- Automation and Scalability: The production process is highly automated and scalable, making it ideal for industrial use.
Gelacell™
Gelacell™ by Gelatex Technologies is a pharmaceutical-grade, cutting-edge 3D nanofibrous scaffold specifically engineered for advanced 3D cell culture and tissue engineering. Designed to replicate the natural extracellular matrix (ECM), Gelacell™ scaffolds provide a highly porous, non-woven structure that promotes superior cell attachment, growth, and differentiation. This product represents a revolutionary step in in vitro cellular research and tissue modeling.
Gelacell™ scaffolds are fabricated using Gelatex’s patented halospinning technology, enabling the production of nanofibers that closely mimic the ECM of natural tissues. This unique 3D architecture provides an extensive surface area that supports cellular activity. The scaffolds are biocompatible and non-toxic, making them suitable for a variety of cell lines and culture conditions. Their porous structure ensures efficient transport of nutrients and oxygen, which is critical for cell survival and proliferation.
Advantages Over Conventional 2D Systems
In contrast to traditional 2D culture systems where cells flatten and lose their natural behavior, Gelacell™ preserves the natural shape and functionality of cells. By maintaining cell-to-cell and cell-to-matrix interactions, these 3D scaffolds create an environment that promotes optimal differentiation and relevance in research. This structural fidelity allows cells to retain more of their original functions, enhancing the physiological accuracy of studies.
Flexible and Customizable
The halospinning technology offers high flexibility in material selection and customization. Nanofibers can be crafted from natural or synthetic polymers with adjustable parameters such as fiber diameter, alignment, and density. This adaptability allows researchers to tailor the scaffold to specific cell types and applications, supporting diverse research needs in areas like drug discovery, toxicology, and tissue engineering.
Applications
Gelacell™ scaffolds have broad applications in cutting-edge scientific fields:
- Cardiotoxicology: Aligned scaffolds improve structural and functional readouts in cardiomyocyte cultures, facilitating studies on heart cells.
- Toxicology Studies: Provide a supportive environment for liver cells, enhancing the physiological relevance of toxicology models.
- Drug Discovery: Cancer cells grown on 3D scaffolds exhibit increased drug resistance, mimicking in vivo conditions and improving the predictive accuracy of drug screening.
- Stem Cell Research: Support the differentiation of neural stem cells into mature neurons, advancing neurobiological research.
Enhanced Performance
Gelacell™ promotes cell proliferation and migration, features not observed with electrospun nanofibers. This is due to the scaffold’s unique fibrous morphology, which encourages the formation of uniform 3D cell networks. The scaffolds also facilitate the incorporation of growth factors or antimicrobial agents, further enhancing their functionality.
Versatile Product Formats
Gelacell™ scaffolds are available in multiple formats to suit various experimental needs:
- Well Plates: Available in 6, 12, and 24-well configurations with fixed scaffolds for short to long-term culture.
- Scaffold Inserts: Compatible with standard well plates for medium-term culture.
- Scaffold Sheets: Designed for tissue engineering, available in customizable dimensions.
Spin Doctor: The Science Behind Gelatex’s Halospinning Technology
Halospinning, or HaloSpin™, is a patented nanofiber production technology developed by Gelatex Technologies. It is a high-throughput, nozzle-based manufacturing process designed to create nanofibers quickly and cost-effectively. Unlike traditional methods like electrospinning, halospinning does not rely on electrostatic fields to form nanofibers. Instead, it employs a mechanical spinning mechanism that enables the continuous production of nanofibrous materials at industrial scales.
The Need for Nanofibers
Nanofibers, with diameters ranging from 100 nanometers to 4 microns, are 100 times thinner than a human hair. Their unique properties, such as high porosity, large surface area-to-mass ratio, and enhanced mechanical properties, make them ideal for applications in health, sustainability, and advanced technologies. However, their broader adoption has been limited by high production costs—an issue HaloSpin™ solves efficiently.
Key Features of HaloSpin™ Technology
- High-Throughput Production:
- HaloSpin™ enables continuous production of nanofibers, significantly increasing output compared to electrospinning.
- Scalable, high-speed production lowers manufacturing costs and makes nanofiber technology accessible to a wide range of industries.
- Customizable Material Properties:
- The technology allows for extensive customization of nanofiber properties, such as diameter (0.1 to 10 µm), thickness (0.1 to 400 g/sq.m), and specific attributes like absorption rate, degradation, and controlled active ingredient release.
- Material morphology, including alignment, porosity, and texture, can be adjusted to suit application-specific needs.
- Compatibility with Diverse Polymers:
- HaloSpin™ works with a variety of synthetic and bio-based polymers, including gelatin, alginate, chitosan, PLGA, PCL, and more.
- This versatility enables the creation of nanofibers tailored for applications like biodegradable materials, advanced textiles, and controlled drug delivery systems.
- Unique Morphological Properties:
- Produces nanofibers with a structure that enhances cellular interactions and tissue integration.
- The high porosity facilitates efficient gas and moisture exchange, critical for biomedical and filtration applications.
Applications of HaloSpin™ Technology
HaloSpin™ has revolutionized nanofiber production for multiple sectors:
- Healthcare: Used in wound care, tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and drug delivery systems.
- Food and Agriculture: Enables innovations in cultured meat, plant-based meat, and advanced food ingredients.
- Energy and Filtration: Critical for making ultracapacitors, batteries, fuel cells, and filtration media, including compostable air and water filters.
- Advanced Materials: Applications in cosmetics, oil-spill remediation, and high-performance textiles.
Unique Advantages Over Other Methods
Unlike electrospinning, HaloSpin™ employs a non-electrostatic nozzle-based spinning method that is faster and more versatile. This technology can produce nanocomposites and incorporate active pharmaceutical ingredients, expanding its utility in pharmaceuticals and bioengineering. Materials are delivered in customizable rolls for streamlined integration into industrial workflows.
Gelatex brings expertise in working with absorbable, degradable, and bio-based polymers. This includes post-treatment and coating technologies that further enhance the performance and application of the nanofibers. Customers can collaborate with Gelatex to fine-tune formulations for specific absorption rates, antimicrobial properties, and structural requirements.
Threading the Needle: Gelatex’s Big Wins in a Competitive Market
Gelatex Technologies has significantly impacted the materials industry by introducing scalable and cost-effective nanofiber production methods. In 2019, Gelatex won the Green Alley Award, Europe’s first startup prize for the circular economy. The jury was impressed by Gelatex’s gelatine-based, eco-friendly textile, which serves as a sustainable alternative to leather. (The Baltic Times)
In November 2023, they partnered with Israeli biotech firm ProFuse Technology to enhance cultivated meat production. By integrating ProFuse’s media supplements with Gelatex’s edible, plant-based scaffolds, they reduced the chicken muscle growth cycle to 48 hours and increased muscle protein content fivefold compared to traditional methods. (Protein Report)
In October 2023, Gelatex appointed Ilex Life Sciences as the distributor of their Gelacell™ 3D Nanofibrous Scaffolds in the United States and Canada. Gelacell™ scaffolds are designed for in vitro 3D cell culture and tissue engineering, closely mimicking the natural extracellular matrix. This partnership expands Gelatex’s reach into the North American market. (Ilex Life)
Earlier, in May 2024, Gelatex collaborated with Accelerate Estonia and fellow startup ÄIO to host one of Europe’s first public novel food tastings. The event showcased innovative food products incorporating Gelatex’s nanofiber technologies. This initiative aimed to promote food innovation and support the growth of the novel food sector in Estonia. (Startup Estonia)
Additionally, Gelatex has engaged in discussions and pilot projects with various companies across multiple sectors, exploring the use of their nanofibrous materials in applications such as filtration, cosmetics, and advanced textiles.
Cash Flow in the Fabric: Gelatex’s Financial Threads Woven Together
Gelatex Technologies has raised a total of $1.35 million in equity funding across three rounds, supplemented by several grants and prize money. (Tracxn)
In November 2021, Gelatex closed a $1.35 million seed funding round, led by Change Ventures and Crosslight Partners. The company had previously secured seed funding from Climate Capital in 2021, though the specific amount was undisclosed. Earlier, in September 2019, Gelatex received an undisclosed seed investment from Techstars.
Gelatex has also benefited from grant funding. In 2019, the European Innovation Council Fund awarded them $54.7K, and the European Union provided $56.4K in prize money. Additionally, in 2016, the Prototron Fund granted Gelatex $10.5K to kickstart its operations. These grants helped the company develop its proprietary halospinning technology and expand its product offerings.
Revenue growth has been steady, albeit modest, as Gelatex transitions from development to commercial scaling. In 2023, the company reported revenue of $123.2K, up from $50K in 2022. The highest revenue so far was recorded in 2021, amounting to $129.7K.
Spinning Ideas into Reality: How Gelatex and You Can Stitch a Better Tomorrow
Gelatex Technologies is reshaping industries with its scalable nanofiber technology. Their halospinning method creates cost-effective, eco-friendly solutions. They make materials for cultured meat, 3D cell culture, tissue engineering, and more. Their innovation supports sustainable practices in food, healthcare, and beyond. Gelatex’s mission is to enable healthier and more sustainable systems globally.
Nanofiber materials are game-changers. They solve real problems in industries that need better solutions, like cultured meat and regenerative medicine. Gelatex’s advancements make these high-tech materials accessible and affordable. This helps businesses and researchers alike. The company’s efforts are paving the way for cleaner, greener futures.
Feeling inspired? It’s your turn to innovate. Gelatex started with a simple idea and grew it into a global success. Who knows? Your idea might be the next breakthrough in sustainable technology. Venture Kites covers the latest innovations, impactful ventures, and market trends. Dive into other articles to learn about businesses pushing boundaries and changing industries.
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Lessons From Gelatex
Target Emerging Industries
The Lesson & Why it Matters: Invest in industries on the cusp of growth. Gelatex’s work in cultured meat aligns with a booming future market.
Implementation: Study trends and predict future industry needs. Develop solutions that cater to emerging demands.
How Gelatex Implements It: Gelatex focuses on cultured meat and tissue engineering, industries poised for explosive growth.
Leverage Grants and Competitions
The Lesson & Why it Matters: Funding can come from unconventional sources. Grants and competitions provide seed money and exposure.
Implementation: Participate in industry competitions and apply for grants that align with your mission.
How Gelatex Implements It: Gelatex won the Green Alley Award and received grants from Prototron Fund and the EU to fund its early innovations.
Build a Mission-Driven Brand
The Lesson & Why it Matters: A strong mission attracts partners, investors, and employees. Gelatex’s sustainability mission sets them apart.
Implementation: Embed your mission into every aspect of your business. Be authentic in your storytelling.
How Gelatex Implements It: Their commitment to sustainability is reflected in their products and partnerships.
Use Technology to Reduce Costs
The Lesson & Why it Matters: High costs can deter adoption. Gelatex proves that using efficient technology can lower prices without compromising quality.
Implementation: Identify inefficiencies in traditional methods. Develop tech that reduces resource consumption.
How Gelatex Implements It: Halospinning technology dramatically cuts production costs compared to electrospinning.
Build a Global Vision from Day One
The Lesson & Why it Matters: Don’t limit your business to local markets. Gelatex planned for international applications from the beginning.
Implementation: Develop solutions that cater to global needs and consider partnerships across borders.
How Gelatex Implements It: Their partnerships with firms like ProFuse and global distributors expanded their reach beyond Estonia.
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🚀 @gela_tex is revolutionizing industries with its groundbreaking nanofiber manufacturing technology! From cultured meat to tissue engineering, let’s dive into how they’re creating sustainable solutions for a healthier future 👇🌍#Nanotechnology #Sustainability
— Venture Kites (@VentureKites) December 19, 2024