Introduction to Matrix Gel Application Technology
As the technology of stem cell therapy and organoid-based drug development advances, matrix gel, as a nutrient and support carrier for stem cell culture and organoid, 3D cell culture, plays a crucial role, with other applications including angiogenesis, in vivo tumor formation experiments, etc. Matrix gel is a soluble basement membrane preparation extracted from EHS mouse sarcoma rich in extracellular matrix proteins. Its main components include laminin, type IV collagen, nidogen, etc., as well as various growth factors such as TGF-β, EGF, IGF, FGF, etc. At room temperature, matrix gel polymerizes to form a biologically active three-dimensional matrix, mimicking the structure, composition, physical properties, and functions of the in vivo cell basement membrane, facilitating the culture and differentiation of cells in vitro.
Arcegel, developed and manufactured by Arcegen Biotechnology, is a matrix gel that is free of LDEV (lactate dehydrogenase elevated virus), with an ultra-low endotoxin content, and has undergone thorough testing to ensure no mycoplasma contamination, including various types such as basic concentration, high concentration, and low growth factor.
Application Directions
Product Features
High safety: Free of LDEV (lactate dehydrogenase elevated virus)
Concentration versatility: Concentration range between 8~20 mg/ml
Good batch stability: Strict production quality control processes ensure stable performance between batches
Low endotoxin: Endotoxin content ≤4 EU/ml
Contaminant testing: Tested free of mycoplasma, bacteria, and fungal residues
High batch yield: Batch yield is above the liter level
Good compatibility: Compatible with any type of cell culture medium
Application Validation
Migration and invasion assays
Diluted Arcegel matrix gel is added to the upper chamber of a Transwell, cells are seeded on top, and then incubated at 37°C with 5% CO2 for 24 hours. After fixation in 4% paraformaldehyde, cells are stained with 0.1% crystal violet dye, observed, and counted under an inverted phase-contrast microscope.
Figure 1. Results of Crystal Violet Staining after Cell Invasion
3D Cell Culture
Arcegel matrix gel was gently mixed with a pre-adjusted concentration of single-cell HepG2 suspension at a 1:1 ratio. Using a pre-chilled pipette tip, 50μl of the above mixed single-cell suspension was added to a pre-chilled 24-well plate to form a dome-shaped cell droplet. The plate was then placed in a 37°C, 5% CO2 cell culture incubator, and observations along with photographic documentation were performed daily.
Figure 2. 3D Cell Culture Results
Table 1: Reference for the Use of 3D Cell Culture Matrix Gel
Culture Plate (Dish) Type |
Cell Culture Area (cm2) |
Recommended Volume |
6-well plate |
9.6 |
200 μL/cm2 |
12-well plate |
4.5 |
180 μL/cm2 |
24-well plate |
2 |
180 μL/cm2 |
96-well plate |
0.32 |
160 μL/cm2 |
35mm culture dish |
11.78 |
200 μL/cm2 |
100mm culture dish |
58.95 |
200 μL/cm2 |
Note: There may be some concentration variation in the matrix gel across different batches; the recommended usage is for reference only.
Organoid Culture
Figure 3: Organoid Operating Procedure
FAQ
01. What is the reason for the color change (from light yellow to deep red) observed in the matrix?
For matrix gel containing phenol red, the primary reason for the color change is the reaction between phenol red and bicarbonate with CO2. However, the color difference will decrease once equilibrated with 5% CO2. After thawing, gently shaking the reagent bottle will ensure uniform dispersion of the matrix gel.
02. What should be considered when handling the matrix gel?
All procedures must be conducted under aseptic conditions, and pre-chilled pipettes should be used to ensure the matrix gel is in a homogeneous state.
03. How should the matrix gel be aliquoted, frozen, and used?
After thawing, Arcegel Matrix LDEV-Free matrix gel can be aliquoted into multiple tubes using pre-chilled cryovials. All aliquoting should be done using pre-chilled cryovials, quickly frozen, and stored to avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. All items involved in the procedure should be pre-chilled, including pre-chilled pipettes, tips, and tubes used for handling the matrix gel.
Related Products
Product Type |
Product Name |
Catalog Number |
Specification |
Basic Concentration |
C231001 |
5/10 mL |
|
C231002 |
5/10 mL |
||
Low Growth Factor |
C231003 |
5/10 mL |
|
C231004 |
5/10 mL |
||
High Concentration |
C231005 |
5/10 mL |
|
Arcegel Matrix High Concentration, Phenol Red-Free, LDEV-Free |
C231006 |
5/10 mL |
|
C231007 |
5/10 mL |
||
Stem Cell Specialized |
C231008 |
5/10 mL |
|
Organoid Specialized |
Arcegel Matrix for Organoid culture, Phenol Red-Free, LDEV-Free |
C231009 |
5/10 mL |