---
title: What is the difference between VitroGel® and VitroINK®? Can I switch these two types of products on testing the same cell type?
description: "The formulation and mechanical properties of the VitroGel® and VitroINK® are different. The VitroINK® has a stronger mechanical strength to support 3D layer-by-layer structure printing, while the VitroGel® is much softer and can not support layer-by-layer printing. Both hydrogels have…"
url: "https://www.thewellbio.com/docs/what-is-the-difference-between-vitrogel-and-vitroink-can-i-switch-these-two-types-of-products-on-testing-the-same-cell-type/"
updated: "2024-08-22"
category: 3D Bioprinting
tags:
  - Bioprinting
---

# What is the difference between VitroGel® and VitroINK®? Can I switch these two types of products on testing the same cell type?

The formulation and mechanical properties of the VitroGel® and VitroINK® are different. The VitroINK® has a stronger mechanical strength to support 3D layer-by-layer structure printing, while the VitroGel® is much softer and can not support layer-by-layer printing. Both hydrogels have functional modifications to support cell growth. However, because the gel matrix properties significantly impact cell behaviors, the final results may differ between VitroGel® and VitroINK®, even with the same functional ligand modification. Depending on the purpose of the testing, the user may be able to use the VitroGel® to validate first before transferring to VitroINK® .