ECMs for 2D, 3D Cell Culture and Bioprinting

ECMs for 2D, 3D Cell Culture and Bioprinting
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a three-dimensional network of proteins, enzymes, glycosaminoglycans and other macromolecules that naturally surrounds cells. It is critical for cellular adhesion, communication, migration, differentiation and countless other functions.
Growing cells on standard plastic culture ware can lead to problems comparing data with the in vivo situation – it lacks both the stiffness and ECM signalling cues that regulate cellular behaviour, including proliferation, migration, adhesion and differentiation.

We propose a versatile portfolio of highly purified extracellular matrix (ECM) components from different species, such as bovine, human and rat species, as well as biomaterials that can form 3D hydrogels to help create a natural environment for your cells. For tissue engineering research, our range includes innovative products for 3D bioprinting of scaffolds and tissues.

ECMs can make the difference to your research!
The ECM Select® Array Kit Ultra-36 has been developed to screen for the best ECM proteins for culturing your specific cell type. The ECM Select® Array Kit Ultra-36 is an extracellular matrix screening array offering thirty-six (36) human extracellular matrix protein (ECM) conditions that are deposited onto the hydrogel surface as printed array spots. Seed, culture the cells and visualise cell morphology, attachment and growth directly on the array, in most cases, in less than 24 hours.

Investigate the difference of various environments (substrate stiffness) for your cell type of interest. CytoSoft® Cell Culture Ware has a thin layer of functionalised silicone with stiffness options of between 0.2 and 64 kPA. Substrate stiffness has a profound effect on cell propagation, differentiation, lineage specification, gene expression, morphology, self-renewal, pluripotency and migration.

This video highlights the importance of substrate stiffness and explains how to surround your cells with the optimal environment using 2D culture ware, 3D hydrogels and 3D bioprinting.