Merck, TRUE4-1KT, TrueGel3D Hydrogel Kits

General description
The gel is formed by stable thioether bonds between maleimide groups of PVA (FAST-PVA) and thiol groups on CD cell-degradable crosslinker. Malemide-functionalized PVA is specifically used to decrease the time for gel formation. The PVA polymer does not have cell attachment sites, but it can be customized to conjugate RGD peptide using TrueGel3D RGD peptide (TRUERGD-1EA) prior to the crosslinking step. The CD cell-degradable crosslinker is composed of matrix metalloprotease (MMP)-cleavable peptide (Pro-Leu-Gly-Leu-Trp-Ala), which allows cells to spread and migrate by secreting matrix metalloproteases (MMP1, MMP3, MMP7 and MMP9).
Application
TRUE4-1KT is used for cell migration studies of amoeboid cells including neutrophils, dendritic cells and lymphocytes. It has been preferred to use PVA-based gels over dextran-based gels for long-term culture of cells producing carbohydrate degrading enzymes.
Features and Benefits

• Fast gelling (takes few seconds to minutes after addition of crosslinker)
• Flexibility in modulating gel stiffness
• Contains MMP-cleavable crosslinker
• Cells cannot be recovered
• Cells do not attach to hydrogel (if not customized with TrueGel3D RGD peptide)

Other Notes
TRUE4-1KT contains FAST-PVA polymer solution in phosphate buffer and lyophilized CD cell-degradable crosslinker with reconstitution buffer, TrueGel3D thioglycerol and water.
Disclaimer
Avoid prolong exposure of CD cell-degradable crosslinker to air and store FAST-PVA in small portions to avoid frequent freeze-thaw cycles.