What experiments are suitable for high-concentration GelNest™ Basement Membrane Matrix?
High-concentration GelNest™ Basement Membrane Matrix is suitable for in vivo studies; for example, its high protein concentration can promote tumor growth. The high protein concentration also helps the matrix remain intact after subcutaneous injection into mice, retaining injected tumor cells and/or angiogenic factors at the injection site and facilitating in situ analysis and/or subsequent excision.
How should GelNest™ Basement Membrane Matrix be used for 3D culture, how is a 3D gel prepared, and must cells be embedded in the matrix?
High-concentration GelNest™ Basement Membrane Matrix is suitable for in vivo applications and for preparing thick-gel coatings for 3D cell culture. Cells may either be embedded within the matrix or seeded on its surface using the overlay method.
Should pipette tips and centrifuge tubes be pre-cooled when using GelNest™ Basement Membrane Matrix?
Yes. Because GelNest™ Basement Membrane Matrix begins to gel above 10°C, pre-cooled pipettes, tips, and centrifuge tubes are recommended when handling the matrix.
Does GelNest™ Basement Membrane Matrix polymerize rapidly?
GelNest™ Basement Membrane Matrix rapidly polymerizes into a gel at 10–35°C.
When should phenol red-free GelNest™ Basement Membrane Matrix be used?
Phenol red-free GelNest™ Basement Membrane Matrix is recommended for colorimetric or fluorescence-based assays, such as experiments using fluorescent dyes or quantification of endothelial tube formation by Drabkin’s method. Phenol red-free matrix should also be used for endometrial cell culture.
In addition, phenol red has a structure similar to that of nonsteroidal estrogens and may exert estrogen-like effects. In experimental animals, it may interfere with endocrine function and hormone metabolism.