What Plant Cell Technology does

Plant Cell Technology, Inc. ("PCT") is a privately held US specialty supplier that develops and sells plant tissue culture products and contamination-control solutions. Founded in 1993 and headquartered in Washington, DC with manufacturing and fulfillment in Smithfield, Utah, PCT serves commercial plant tissue culture laboratories, research institutions, hobbyists, and licensed growers. Its portfolio centers on three proprietary technology pillars: PPM™ (Plant Preservative Mixture), an EPA-certified broad-spectrum, heat-stable biocide for tissue culture media; the BioCoupler®, a simplified, patent-pending temporary immersion bioreactor connecting two standard glass jars; and the BioTilt™ 8 and BioTilt™ 25 automated agitation systems for those bioreactors. The catalog also includes Murashige & Skoog, WPM, B5, DKW, orchid, and houseplant media, gelling agents, plant growth regulators (BAP, IBA, NAA, GA3, TDZ, Kinetin), culture vessels, and starter kits.

PCT makes money primarily through direct e-commerce product sales via a Shopify storefront at plantcelltechnology.com and through a network of 40+ international distributors covering 35+ countries. Pricing is unit-based with publicly listed catalog prices (e.g., PPM™ from $34.99, MS media from $5.99, BioTilt™ 8 bundle at $999.99, Starter Kit $119.99). The go-to-market combines product-led growth with content marketing (200+ YouTube videos, a learning hub, free PDF guides), an event-driven component (in-person and online LIVE Tissue Culture Master Classes), and a channel-partner motion through distributors and a Goaffpro-powered brand ambassador program offering 10% commissions.

The business model spans three primary revenue streams: consumable products sold directly to labs and hobbyists, higher-margin hardware (BioCoupler® and BioTilt™ systems) sold to customers scaling tissue culture operations, and professional services including paid consultations, on-site lab buildouts, and master class registrations via Humanitix and Cowlendar. Quantifiable outcomes cited include contamination reductions (Upper Canada Growers: 5% to 0%), commercial-scale clone production (Happy Valley Plants: 75,000 Agave clones), and broad species coverage (80+ plant species tested with PPM™).

Name

Plant Cell Technology

Legal name

Plant Cell Technology, Inc.

Website

https://plantcelltechnology.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1993

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Plant Cell Technology develops and sells plant tissue culture products — including its EPA-certified PPM™ biocide, BioCoupler® bioreactor, and BioTilt™ automation systems — serving commercial labs, research institutions, and hobbyist growers across 35+ countries via e-commerce and a 40+ distributor network.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Plant Tissue Culture Supplies

NAICS

Medicinal and Botanical Manufacturing (325411), Pesticide and Other Agricultural Chemical Manufacturing (32532), Biological Product (except Diagnostic) Manufacturing (325414)

SIC

Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731), Medicinal Chemicals & Botanical Products (2833)

akta.pro primary industry

Raw Materials & Critical Reagents Supply Services (media, resins, single-use) (HLAAAKAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Bioprocess Consumables & Reagents (resins, membranes, media components, buffers) (HLAAAJAI), Organic & Biological Input Retail (Biostimulants, Biopesticides, OMRI) (AFABAJAK)

Keywords

• Plant tissue culture supplies
• Micropropagation products
• Contamination control solutions
• Bioreactor systems
• Plant growth regulators

Headquarters

HQ city

Washington

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Tissue Culture Media & Reagents: PCT sells a wide range of basal salt media (MS, WPM, B5, DKW, Orchid, Hoagland's, LS), gelling agents (agar, gellan gum), pH adjusters, activated charcoal, and myo-inositol. Products are sold in measured bottles/packs for hobbyists and commercial labs. One-time purchase model per unit.
2. Lab Equipment & Culture Vessels: Includes Square Culture Vessels, Round Snap-Lock Containers (both vented and non-vented), Vented Plant TC Test Tubes, and accessories. Sold as individual units or in packs. One-time product purchase.
3. Plant Preservative Mixture (PPM™): Flagship contamination control product sold in multiple sizes (30mL to 1L). Available in PETG Square Media Bottles. One-time purchase, with bulk orders handled via [email protected].
4. Plant Growth Regulators: Cytokinins (BAP, Kinetin, TDZ, trans-Zeatin, 2iP), auxins (IBA, IAA, NAA, 2,4-D), and gibberellic acid (GA3) sold as both powders and stock solutions (1mg/1mL). Supports shoot multiplication, rooting, and callus development protocols.
5. BioTilt™ & BioCoupler® Systems: The BioTilt 8 Bundle ($999.99) is a complete automated bioreactor system. BioCoupler® units ($19.99 each), glass sets ($25.99+), and bundles ($177.99) are sold separately. BioTilt 25 is available via request. One-time hardware purchase model.
6. Master Classes (Education): PCT conducts Tissue Culture Master Classes — both in-person (3-day intensive in Washington DC) and online LIVE sessions. In-person classes taught by Lab Director Francisco Palacios. Revenue generated through paid class registrations via Humanitix ticketing platform.
7. Consulting Services: Paid phone consultations with tissue culture experts, on-site lab buildouts, and custom corporate training programs. Scheduled via Cowlendar booking platform. Addresses specific technical needs for licensed growers and businesses.
8. Affiliate/Ambassador Program: Brand ambassadors receive a 10% commission on sales via their affiliate codes/links, a personalized 10% discount code to share, a PCT Starter Kit, and marketing tools. Managed via Goaffpro platform.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Plant Cell Technology manufactures and sells proprietary plant tissue culture media, reagents, and laboratory equipment — anchored by its EPA-certified PPM™ preservative/biocide for contamination control and the patent-pending BioCoupler®/BioTilt™ temporary immersion bioreactor systems. The company also delivers Tissue Culture Master Classes (in-person and online) and paid consulting, lab buildout, and corporate training services for licensed growers and commercial laboratories. Sales occur primarily through the company's Shopify e-commerce storefront and a 40+ country international distributor network, with manufacturing and fulfillment in Smithfield, Utah.

Product overview

Plant Cell Technology offers a comprehensive plant tissue culture product portfolio centered around its flagship contamination-control product PPM™ and the BioCoupler® temporary immersion bioreactor system. The product line spans media formulations (Murashige & Skoog, Gamborg's B-5, Lloyd & McCown's WPM, and specialized Houseplant Rooting and Multiplication Media), gelling agents (GESOLGEL™ Gellan Gum, agar products), plant growth regulators (6-BAP, IBA, NAA, GA3, Kinetin, TDZ in both powder and solution forms), and lab equipment including culture vessels and the BioTilt™ automation systems. Supporting offerings include the Starter Kit and Synthetic Seed Starter Kit for beginners, Master Classes for education, and consulting services for lab setup and optimization. The company positions itself as a one-stop supplier serving hobbyists through commercial laboratories.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Plant Preservative Mixture (PPM™) Broad-spectrum, heat-stable biocide/preservative for plant tissue culture media that controls airborne, waterborne, and endogenous microbial contamination without impairing seed germination, callus proliferation, or regeneration. EPA certified, autoclavable with media, and effective across 80+ plant species at 0.5–5 mL/L. Available in 30mL ($34.99), 100mL, 250mL, 500mL, and 1L PETG Square Media Bottles with an 18-month refrigerated shelf life. Targeted at commercial tissue culture laboratories, research institutions, and hobbyists.
• BioCoupler® Patent-pending simplified temporary immersion bioreactor (TIB) device consisting of a vessel coupler cap with integrated microporous filter that connects two standard glass jars (70-G450 finish, 8–32 oz). Enables aseptic liquid medium flow, high humidity, and gas exchange without plumbing or electricity. Sold at $19.99 per unit (SKU: BC1). Targeted at hobbyists, small-scale tissue culture operators, and commercial labs seeking low-cost automated immersion bioreactor capability.
• BioTilt™ 8 Bundle Benchtop automated agitation system that holds and rotates up to 8 BioCoupler® units at programmable intervals, optimizing plant growth conditions without manual intervention. Ships ready to use at 23 lbs. Priced at $999.99 (SKU: BT8B816). Targeted at hobbyists and small-scale tissue culture operators scaling multiplication yields beyond manual immersion methods.
• BioTilt™ 25 Larger-scale automated BioCoupler® agitation system that accommodates 25 x 500mL jars or 20 x 1L jars, with a modular, stackable design and programmable rotation intervals. Available via request. Targeted at commercial tissue culture laboratories scaling from benchtop to mass production.
• Tissue Culture Starter Kit Comprehensive all-in-one tissue culture starter package including MS Basal Medium (10L), Supreme TC Grade Agar (60g), PPM™ (30mL), plant growth regulators BAP/IBA/NAA (30mL each), 10 round snap-lock containers, 5 vented test tubes, scalpel, forceps, pipettes, and a step-by-step instruction guide. Listed at $119.99 USD. Targeted at beginners and hobbyists entering plant tissue culture.
• Synthetic Seed Starter Kit Specialized kit containing essentials for synthetic seed production, enabling tissue culture propagation using encapsulated somatic embryos or shoot tips. Listed at $49.99 (17% off from $59.99). Targeted at researchers and hobbyists exploring synthetic seed technology.
• BioCoupler® Bundle Curated bundle including the patent-pending BioCoupler® along with vitamins and contamination-control products to support temporary immersion bioreactor cultures. Listed at $177.99. Targeted at users adopting the BioCoupler® system who want a complete startup package.
• Houseplant Rooting Medium Stage-specific pre-formulated, pH-buffered medium for rooting tropical houseplants including Philodendron, Monstera, Anthurium, Pothos, and Syngonium. From $5.99 USD. Targeted at hobbyists and small-scale houseplant tissue culture propagators.
• Houseplant Multiplication Medium Stage-specific pre-formulated, pH-buffered medium for shoot multiplication of tropical houseplants including Philodendron, Monstera, Anthurium, Alocasia, Begonia, and other tropical ornamentals. From $6.99 USD. Targeted at hobbyists and small-scale houseplant tissue culture propagators.
• Murashige & Skoog (MS) Basal Salts Modification 9 Industry-standard plant culture medium formulation used to facilitate plant growth and shoot proliferation in monocotyledons and dicotyledons tissue cultures. $5.99 for the 5L volume. Targeted at commercial laboratories, academic research, and hobbyists.
• Lloyd & McCown's Woody Plant Basal Medium (WPM) Modification 4 Basal medium specifically formulated for woody plant tissue culture, modified for optimal growth of woody species in vitro. $4.99 for the 10L volume. Targeted at commercial labs and researchers working with woody ornamentals, fruit trees, and forestry species.
• Gamborg's B-5 Basal Salts Modification 5 Gamborg B-5 medium with Modification 5, a widely used plant tissue culture medium supporting growth of various plant species. $13.99 for the 10L volume. Targeted at commercial laboratories and academic researchers.
• Benzylaminopurine (6-BAP) Solution Synthetic cytokinin solution (1mg/1mL) that enhances cell division, shoot proliferation, and bud formation. Essential for shoot multiplication protocols and breaking apical dominance to induce multiple shoot formation. $18.99 for 100mL (discounted from $28.99). Targeted at commercial labs and hobbyists running multiplication protocols.
• GESOLGEL™ MTC Gellan Gum Gellan gum gelling agent for plant tissue culture media providing clear, firm gels suitable for in vitro plant propagation and rooting. From $24.99 for 5GM. Targeted at commercial laboratories and hobbyists preparing their own tissue culture media.
• BioCoupler® Glass Set Glass vessels designed for use with the BioCoupler® system, compatible with standard mason jars (70-G450 finish) holding 8–32 liquid ounces. From $25.99. Targeted at users of the BioCoupler® bioreactor system needing replacement or additional vessels.
• Activated Charcoal Adsorbent additive used in plant tissue culture media to absorb phenolics, toxins, and to modify the growing environment for plantlets. Targeted at commercial laboratories and hobbyists customizing media formulations.
• Tissue Culture Master Classes Comprehensive paid training programs covering plant tissue culture techniques, offered both in-person at Plant Cell Technology's Washington DC facility (e.g., July 24–26, 2026, 9AM–5PM EST) and online via live virtual sessions (e.g., August 15–16, 2026, 1PM–5PM EST). Both formats taught by Lab Director Francisco Palacios. Curriculum covers houseplants, carnivorous plants, and general tissue culture techniques. 22+ classes conducted since 2022. Ticketing through Humanitix. Targeted at serious hobbyists, professionals, and commercial growers seeking hands-on training.
• Plant Tissue Culture Consulting Paid expert consultation services including on-site laboratory buildouts, custom corporate training, in-person classes, and one-on-one phone consultations with Plant Cell Technology's tissue culture specialists. Scheduling via Cowlendar. Targeted at licensed growers and businesses needing tailored technical support for lab setup and optimization.

Quantifiable outcome

• Upper Canada Growers reduced contamination rate from 5% to 0% using PPM™
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered standard.

• Diagnovation Technologies IncstandardChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistributor based at 80-36 268th St, Queens, NY 11004, USA. Phone: (516) 620-0547. Website: diagnovation.com. Serves the Australian market.
• RootlabstandardChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistributor located at 3 Cook Road, Marrickville NSW 2204, Australia. Phone: +61 416 399 905. Website: rootlab.com.au. Serves the Australian market.
• Caderlane LabsstandardChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistributor based at 4410 Paletta Ct, Burlington, ON L7L 5R2, Canada. Phone: (336) 513-5135. Website: cedarlanelabs.com. Serves the Canadian market.
• Phyto-SciencesstandardChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistributor based in Montreal, QC, Canada. Phone: (514) 884-3358. Website: phyto-sciences.com. Serves the Canadian market.
• BioScotia Technologies Inc.standardChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistributor based at 5991 Spring Garden Rd, Halifax, NS B3H 1Y6, Canada. Phone: 902-702-0795. Website: bioscotia.com. Serves the Canadian market.
• BiogenuixstandardChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistributor based at Jyothi Shikhar Tower, Janakpuri District Center, New Delhi, Delhi 110058, India. Phone: 91-9810029475. Website: biogenuix.com. Serves the Indian market.
• GoaffprostandardTechnology or IntegrationThird-party affiliate management platform used by PCT to manage ambassador/affiliate program, track commissions, and process affiliate links and codes.
• HumanitixstandardTechnology or IntegrationEvent ticketing platform used by PCT to manage master class registrations and ticket sales for in-person and online tissue culture master classes.
• NQA (National Quality Assurance)standardOthersISO 13485 certification body that granted PCT the ISO 13485 quality management system certification for medical device manufacturing standards.
• CowlendarstandardTechnology or IntegrationScheduling and booking platform used by PCT to manage consultation appointments with tissue culture experts.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• PhytoTechnology Laboratories: US-based manufacturer of plant tissue culture media, reagents, and PGRs. PhytoTech is the most direct competitor to PCT's media and reagent product line, with overlapping catalogs of MS, WPM, B5 basal salts and a comparable focus on serving both research labs and commercial micropropagation.
• Coolaber Science: China-based manufacturer of plant tissue culture media, reagents, and laboratory consumables. Coolaber is a direct peer in the plant TC media category with strong Asia-Pacific distribution and competitive pricing, particularly relevant to PCT's Asian distributor markets.
• Gold Biotechnology: US-based supplier of plant tissue culture reagents, antibiotics, and PGRs. GoldBio is a direct peer in the plant TC reagent category with a US manufacturing base and a research-customer focus comparable to PCT's B2B lab business.
• Melford Laboratories: UK-based manufacturer of plant tissue culture media, agar, and PGRs serving research and commercial customers globally. Melford is a direct peer with overlapping basal salt media and reagent offerings, competing in the European and international TC media segment.
• Bio Basic Inc. Canada-based manufacturer of plant tissue culture media, reagents, and molecular biology products. Bio Basic is a direct peer in the plant TC consumables space, with overlapping catalogs of MS, WPM, and specialty media formulations.
• HiMedia Laboratories: India-based global manufacturer of microbiology and plant tissue culture media, reagents, and supplements. HiMedia is a direct peer offering plant TC media and PGRs at competitive price points, with broad emerging-market distribution that overlaps with PCT's distributor network.
• Caisson Laboratories: US-based plant tissue culture media and reagent manufacturer offering MS, WPM, and Gamborg's B-5 formulations, plus a broad PGR catalog. Caisson is a direct peer in the plant TC consumables category and competes for the same commercial lab and university customers.
• Duchefa Biochemie: Dutch manufacturer specializing in plant tissue culture media, antibiotics/antimicrobials, and PGRs. Duchefa is a direct peer in the plant TC reagent space, with strong European distribution and an overlapping antimicrobial-preservative product that competes with PCT's PPM™.

Broad incumbents

• Cytiva (Danaher): Global bioprocessing equipment and consumables supplier with a temporary immersion bioreactor and broader plant cell culture product line. Cytiva is a broad incumbent — it serves the larger-scale bioprocessing segment with more industrial, capital-intensive systems that compete with PCT's BioTilt™ platform at the commercial end of the market.
• Sigma-Aldrich (Merck Life Science): Global life-science supplies giant offering plant TC media, PGRs, and reagents as part of a much broader catalog. Sigma-Aldrich is a broad incumbent — not specialized in plant TC, but its size, brand, and institutional sales force allow it to capture larger commercial customers that PCT targets.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/plantcelltech
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC5lmMbHaN5q_YeV4NbvDdXw
• Facebookfacebook.com/plantcelltechnology
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/plant-cell-technology-inc-
• Instagraminstagram.com/plantcelltech

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Plant Cell Technology