Description

Matrigel is a solubilized basement membrane preparation extracted from the Engelbreth-Holm-Swarm (EHS) mouse sarcoma, renowned for its ability to polymerize into a biologically active gel matrix at room temperature. This unique property makes it an indispensable tool for creating a physiologically relevant microenvironment that supports complex cellular behaviors, including differentiation, morphogenesis, and angiogenesis. It is a critical reagent for researchers and developers in cell biology, cancer research, stem cell culture, tissue engineering, and 3D bioprinting, providing a gold-standard substrate for in vitro assays that require an in vivo-like context.

Application

• 3D Cell Culture & Organoid Development: Provides a scaffold for cultivating cells in three dimensions to form complex, organ-like structures for disease modeling and drug screening.
• Stem Cell Research & Differentiation: Creates an optimal microenvironment for maintaining pluripotency or directing the differentiation of embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).
• Angiogenesis & Invasion Assays: Used in assays to study the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) and the invasive potential of cancer cells.
• Tumor Xenograft Studies: Frequently employed to enhance the engraftment and growth of tumor cells in mouse models for preclinical cancer research.
• Tissue Engineering & Regenerative Medicine: Serves as a bioactive hydrogel for constructing tissue scaffolds and supporting the growth of engineered tissues.
• Cell Migration & Chemotaxis Studies: The gel matrix is used to study directional cell movement in response to chemical gradients.
• Neurite Outgrowth & Neurobiology: Supports the growth and extension of neurites from primary neurons and neuronal cell lines.
• Drug Discovery & Toxicity Testing: Enables more predictive high-throughput screening in physiologically relevant 3D culture models.

Basic Information

Product Name	Matrigel
CAS No.	119978-18-6
Molecular Formula	Complex Protein Mixture
Molecular Weight	Variable (Complex Mixture)
Synonyms	EHS Matrix; Basement Membrane Extract (BME); Engelbreth-Holm-Swarm Tumor Matrix; Laminin-Enriched Gel; Cultrex BME; Growth Factor Reduced Matrigel; Corning Matrigel; Geltrex
EINECS	Contact for details

Quality Control

Our Matrigel is produced under stringent conditions to ensure lot-to-lot consistency and biological activity. Each batch is tested for key functional parameters, including gelation kinetics, protein concentration, and growth factor activity levels. While not a single chemical entity, quality is assured through rigorous SDS-PAGE analysis and bioactivity assays. Certificates of Analysis (COA) detailing specific performance characteristics are available upon request to support your research and regulatory documentation needs.

Storage

Preserve in a tightly closed container, protected from light. For long-term stability, store frozen at or below -20°C. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Thaw on ice or at 2-8°C overnight prior to use. Once thawed, keep on ice and use promptly. The product is sensitive to elevated temperatures which can lead to premature gelation.

Specification

Item	Specification
Appearance	Clear to slightly opalescent, viscous liquid (when thawed)
Protein Concentration	Typically 8-12 mg/mL (Lot-specific)
Gelation	Forms a firm, consistent hydrogel at 37°C within 30-60 minutes
Growth Factor Reduced (GFR) Option	Available (Specified levels of VEGF, TGF-β, EGF, etc.)
Phenol Red-Free Option	Available
Sterility	0.2 µm filtered
Mycoplasma	Not detected
Endotoxin Level	< 1.0 EU/mL (by LAL assay)

Note: Specifications can be tailored. Please contact us for the detailed technical data sheet of a specific grade.