Why Extracellular matrix (ECM) based research on highlight.
Extracellular matrices are complex 3D macromolecular networks and a major component of the cellular microenvironment.
Components of ECM link together and have important signaling functions and are highly specific to each organ. The ECM is also a reservoir of growth factors and bioactive molecules. It is vital in controlling and determining cellular characteristics such as proliferation, adhesion, migration, polarity, differentiation, and apoptosis. (B. Yue 2014; Lu. P et al. 2011, DOI: 10.1097/IJG.0000000000000108)
The major components of ECM are collagen, elastin, proteoglycans, laminin, elastin, fibronectin, fibrillin, Entactin, etc. ECM molecules communicate to the cells through receptors like integrins. Cell-matrix interactions are significant for the normal functionality of cells and tissues. An abnormal ECM remodeling leads to various diseases like osteoarthritis, cancer, liver fibrosis, genetic diseases like Marfan´s syndrome, etc. So ECM molecules are an important target for various diseases' prognosis and treatment (A.D. Theocharis et al. 2016, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addr.2015.11.001).
In order to optimize the reliability, it may be important to know how your chosen ECM may influence your outcome or even worth your whole set-up.
Besides of the best suitable ECM a next factor to consider can be cell formation in a 3D dimension.
2D and 3D Cell Culture
Cell culture is a widely used in-vitro tool for understanding cell biology, tissue morphology, disease mechanism, drug action, protein, and tissue engineering. Most cancer research is based on 2D cell culture but has many limitations where the advantages of 3D cell culture come out more into play. 3D cell culture can be of three different methods,
- Suspension cultures on non-adherent plates
- Culture in concentrated medium or in gel-like substances
- Cultures on scaffold
ECM Hydrogels and scaffolds
Hydrogels are hydrophilic, 3D networks having the ability to absorb a high amount of water or other biological fluids. Such characteristic of hydrogels makes them major candidates for biosensors, drug delivery vectors, and matrices for cells in tissue engineering.
(Q. Chai et al. 2017, https://doi.org/10.3390/gels3010006).
Researchers have investigated that 3D scaffolds provide the microenvironment required for them in in-vitro cell culture. Hydrogels have biomedical applications like cell therapeutics, wound healing, cartilage/bone regeneration, and many more (N. Chirani et al. 2015, DOI: 10.4172/2254-609X.100013). Hydrogels are classified as natural and synthetic ones. The concept of 3D spheres is based on forming spheroid structures in which cells form various layers. Such structure mimics the physical and biochemical features of the solid tumor mass.
We offer a wide variety of products for 3D Technologies and 3D models e.g. 3DCoSeedisTM or SpheroSeev, a Spheroid formation tool.
Combining a selected ECM and 3D Cell Culture could be the next step.
PELOBiotech offers a wide range of more than 18,000 and has a broad portfolio of Primary Cells, Stem Cells, and corresponding Media to assist you in your ECM-based research including 2D and 3D cell culture. Just check out the list of the products in our portfolio
https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/view/62911690/portfolio-ecm-products.
Not sure which one fits your project? Please contact us directly at info@pelobiotech.com for further inquiries.
