Description
Application
ECM gel can be used with epithelial cells, endothelial cells, muscle cells, nerve cells and tumor cells.
ECM Gel from Engelbreth-Holm-Swarm murine sarcoma has been used to coat tissue culture plates for different glioma subtypes and C2C12 muscle cells. It has also been used as a scaffold to increase myotube attachment, maturation and survival.
Biochem/physiol Actions
The ECM gel will undergo thermally activated polymerization when brought to 20-40°C, forming a reconstituted basement membrane. PC12 cells will show neurite formation within 2 days when they are grown on a thin layer of this ECM gel.
Every mouse colony used for the production of this product is routinely screened for several pathogens. Tested and found negative for LDEV
Preparation Note
This product is prepared from Engelbreth-Holm-Swarm sarcoma in mice; dialyzed against chloroform. Gel should be thawed overnight at 2-8°C before use and dispensed to a multiwall plate using a plate and pipettes that are pre-cooled to 2-8°C. The gel may contain precipitates which do not influence its activity. The gel may also be diluted up to twofold with 2-8°C Dulbecco′s Modified Eagle′s Medium, and should be done before gel is added to the plate. The product will gel within 5 minutes at 20°C. For prolonged manipulations, work should be conducted below 10°C. Cells can be plated on top of a thin gel layer of 0.5 mm or cultured inside a 1 mm layer. If you culture cells inside, add the cells to the gel prior to plating at a recommended density of 3-4 x 10⁴ cells per mL. To dissociate cells from this gel, use protease in PBS without calcium, magnesium, or EDTA, at a concentration of 0.6-2.4 units per mL.
Other Notes
ECM was prepared to a protein concentration of 8-12 mg/mL, containing laminin as a major component, collagen type IV, heparin sulfate proteoglycan, entactin, and other minor components. Addition of collagen type IV to the ECM gel increases polymerization.
The growth factor reduction modification allows for more control of medium, better interpretation of results and increased polymerization. The medium also lacks phenol red, which can interfere with some analyses.
Disclaimer
For long term storage, keep product at -20°C. The ECM gel may be stored at 2-8°C for up to 72 hours.
