Merck, TRUE5-1KT, TrueGel3D Hydrogel Kits

General description
The gel is formed by stable thioether bonds between maleimide groups of PVA (FAST-PVA) and thiol groups on PEG non 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.
Application
TRUE5-1KT is preferred over dextran-based gels for long-term culture of cells which producing carbohydrate degrading enzymes. It is used to culture spheroids which proliferate but do not attach to hydrogel. PVA-PEG hydrogel kits are also used to immobilize cells or specimens for imaging.
Features and Benefits

• Fast gelling (takes few seconds to minutes after addition of crosslinker)
• Flexibility in modulating gel stiffness
• Does not allow cell migration
• Cell inert hydrogel (if not customized with RGD peptide)
• Cells cannot be recovered

Other Notes
TRUE5-1KT contains FAST-PVA (polymer) in solution in phosphate buffer and lyophilized PEG non cell-degradable crosslinker with reconstitution buffer, TrueGel3D thioglycerol and water.
Disclaimer
Avoid prolong exposure of PEG non cell-degradable crosslinker to air and store Mal-PVA in small portions to avoid frequent freeze-thaw cycles.