Equivalent to Matrigel 

Matrigel is a commonly used extracellular matrix (ECM) product derived from the basement membrane extract of Engelbreth-Holm-Swarm (EHS) mouse sarcoma. It provides a 3D scaffold for cell culture, mimicking the natural environment of the ECM. Matrigel equivalents are alternatives developed to overcome the limitations of Matrigel, including variability, undefined composition, and ethical concerns associated with animal-derived materials.

Content:

Matrigel alternatives may vary in their composition depending on the intended application, but common components include:

• Synthetic Polymers:
  • Polyethylene glycol (PEG)
  • Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)
  • Polycaprolactone (PCL)
• Biopolymers:
  • Collagen
  • Gelatin
  • Hyaluronic acid
  • Fibrin
• Peptides and Proteins:
  • Laminins
  • Fibronectin
  • Integrin-binding peptides (e.g., RGD peptides)

Applications:

Matrigel equivalents are used in a variety of applications, including:

• 3D Cell Culture:
  • Providing a physiologically relevant environment for cancer cells, stem cells, and organoids.
  • Supporting cell polarization, migration, and differentiation studies.
• Tissue Engineering:
  • Fabrication of scaffolds for regenerative medicine.
  • Assisting in the repair or regeneration of damaged tissues, including bone, cartilage, and skin.
• Drug Discovery and Testing:
  • Screening anticancer drugs in 3D models to better predict in vivo efficacy.
  • Studying cell-ECM interactions under different conditions.
• Stem Cell Research:
  • Supporting the maintenance, expansion, and differentiation of embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells.

Examples of Matrigel alternatives include synthetic hydrogels like PeptiGels®, HyStem®, and synthetic peptide-based scaffolds such as PuraMatrix®. These solutions are increasingly favored in research due to their reliability and compatibility with various cell types and experimental conditions