Corning® Matrigel® Matrix: Giving Cells a Home Away From Home
What is Matrigel® Matrix?
Imagine being a tiny cell, floating around with no walls, no neighbours, no guidance. Not very fun, right? That’s exactly the problem scientists faced nearly 30 years ago. The solution came from an unexpected source: the Engelbreth-Holm-Swarm (EHS) mouse sarcoma. From this tumour, researchers developed Corning® Matrigel® Matrix, a solubilized basement membrane preparation that provides a cozy, structured environment for cell culture.
Packed with extracellular matrix proteins like laminin, collagen IV, and entactin, along with growth factors that help cells feel “at home,” Matrigel creates a surface where cells don’t just survive, they thrive. It’s like moving your cells from a bare dorm room into a fully furnished apartment.
Why Matrigel® Matrix Matters for Cell Culture
Matrigel Matrix isn’t just a fancy gel. It allows researchers to observe cells behaving more like they would in vivo, which is crucial for advanced studies in:
- Stem cell research: Supports differentiation and organoid culture.
- Cancer research: Models tumour growth, invasion, and metastasis.
- Drug discovery and disease modelling: Tests new treatments in physiologically relevant environments.
Whether you’re conducting 2D cell culture or exploring 3D cell culture techniques, Matrigel provides the foundation for more reproducible and realistic experiments.
Choosing the Right Matrigel® Matrix
Corning offers a variety of Matrigel formulations to match your cell culture applications:
- Standard Matrigel®: General use for most cell types.
- Growth Factor Reduced (GFR) Matrigel®: Ideal for controlled studies.
- High Concentration Matrigel®: Creates thicker gels for robust 3D cultures.
- Phenol Red-Free Matrigel®: Perfect for sensitive assays.
- Organoid-Qualified Matrigel®: Optimised specifically for organoid culture.
Tips for Handling Matrigel® Matrix
A few careful steps make a big difference:
- Storage: Keep at -20°C and avoid multiple freeze-thaw cycles.
- Thawing: Always thaw on ice and keep cold during use.
- Application: Small volumes coat surfaces for 2D culture, while larger volumes form 3D gels for advanced experiments.
Whether you’re new to 3D cell culture or a seasoned researcher, Matrigel Matrix is your go-to solution for creating cells’ perfect home away from home.
If you would like to know more or would like to request a quote please get in touch with us!