PeptiGels®
Synthetic Peptide Hydrogels for Defined 3D Cell Culture
PeptiGels® are fully synthetic, animal-free self-assembling peptide hydrogels (SAPHs) designed as a defined, reproducible alternative to Matrigel™ and other animal-derived matrices for 3D cell culture. Each gel self-assembles into a nanofibrillar ECM-mimetic scaffold functionalised with bioactive peptide sequences including RGD (fibronectin), IKVAV and YIGSR (laminin), and GFOGER (collagen) to support cell adhesion, viability, and differentiation.
Unlike animal-derived matrices, PeptiGels® offer precisely tunable stiffness and defined biochemistry, giving full control over the mechanical and biochemical microenvironment. Rigorous quality control delivers batch-to-batch reproducibility that Matrigel™ cannot match.
Applications include 3D cell culture, organoid formation, stem cell differentiation, cancer modelling, tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and 3D bioprinting via PeptiInk®. A custom hydrogel design service is available for bespoke requirements.
Bespoke Peptide Hydrogel by Design
The chemistry, mechanical and bio-functional properties of each PeptiGel® is tuned to create defined gels to suit your cells’ specific needs. This includes functionalizing a PeptiGel® with peptide sequences from collagen (GFOGER), fibronectin (RGD), & laminin (IKVAV or YIGSR).
We can also tailor the material properties to precisely fit your requirements for a wide range of application areas, including cell therapies, drug delivery, and high-throughput screening.
If you require specific material design characteristics or assistance choosing the PeptiGel® that's most suitable for your application, please get in touch.
Products
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a PeptiGel?
PeptiGels® are fully synthetic, self-assembling peptide hydrogels (SAPHs) that mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM). Each variant is functionalised with bioactive peptide sequences such as RGD, IKVAV, YIGSR, or GFOGER to support specific cell types and applications.
Is PeptiGel a Matrigel alternative?
Yes. PeptiGels® are fully synthetic and animal-free, offering a defined, reproducible alternative to Matrigel™ and other animal-derived matrices. Unlike Matrigel, PeptiGels have a precisely defined composition and tunable mechanical and biochemical properties.
What stiffness range do PeptiGels support?
PeptiGels® cover a range of stiffness values from soft neural tissue to stiffer cartilage-like environments, selectable to match your specific tissue type and application.
Can PeptiGels be used for bioprinting?
Yes. The PeptiInk® range is optimised as a shear-thinning, self-healing bioink for extrusion-based 3D bioprinting. View PeptiInk® products.
Can you design a custom peptide hydrogel?
Yes. Cell Guidance Systems offers a bespoke hydrogel production service. Contact us to discuss your requirements.