Functionalized hydrogels: better in vivo mimicry
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a vital component for the growth and function of any cell. It typically contains a mix of fibrous and non-fibrous proteins such as collagen, laminin and fibronectin, proteoglycans, growth factors and signalling molecules that provide both structural and biochemical support for cells. The composition of the ECM varies between different tissues and to translate the in-vivo to the in-vitro, the properties of the natural ECM often need to be mimicked in the in-vitro 3D scaffold to obtain in-vivo like cell behaviour and really elucidate and understand cell biological pathways.
Our biologically relevant and chemically defined PeptiGels® and PeptiInks® offer the ability to be fine-tuned to closely mimic the complex ECM seen within the different tissues, allowing the growth of any tissue-specific cell type. The PeptiGel catalogue includes functionalised hydrogels that contain the common biologically active groups of RGD (fibronectin), IKVAV (laminin), YIGSR (laminin) and GFOGER (collagen) to support different biological functions. We are not limited to these alone and often create mixed compositions and/or bespoke functional hydrogels for customers. Importantly, the functionalized groups are tethered as an integral part of the hydrogel. We can also add PODS sustained growth factors.
All our functionalised peptides are animal-free and chemically defined and allow you to recapitulate the in-vivo ECM platform, thereby enhancing the physiologically relevant phenotypes of cells in culture. To find out more about our functionalised gels, or ask if we can include a specific functionality, then please get in touch below.
IMAGE - Hydrogel functionalization. CellGS
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