To keep cells in a more native state in vitro, it helps to tailor their environment by including extracellular matrix (ECM) components that emulate what the cells experience in vivo. By including a relevant cell culture matrix, you can better recapitulate the in vivo environment in your cell culture model. Gibco extracellular matrices, scaffolds, and proteins provide in vivo-like morphology and physiologically relevant cellular environments for more realistic cell culture models.
Get an overview of the cell lines, culture conditions, and analysis techniques being used in the transition from 2D to 3D cell models in the 3D Cell Culture & Analysis Handbook.
Thermo Fisher Scientific offers both naturally occurring and synthetic ECM materials that you can rely on when developing and implementing your cell culture models.
Geltrex
Geltrex products are reduced growth factor basement membrane extracts derived from mouse Engelbreth-Holm-Swarm (EHS) tumors.
Laminin
Laminin is the major glycoprotein in basement membranes. Mouse laminin facilitates the attachment and expansion of ESCs, iPSCs, and NSCs.
Collagen
Collagen is the most widely used extracellular matrix protein for cell culture, facilitating cell attachment, growth, differentiation, migration, and tissue morphogenesis.
Poly-D-lysine (PDL)
Poly-D-lysine (PDL) is a synthetic ECM widely used to promote cell adhesion of a variety of cell types. PDL is also ideal for finicky cells, such as primary and PSC-derived neurons.
Vitronectin
Vitronectin (VTN-N) is a recombinant human protein that provides a defined surface for feeder-free culture of human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs). This cell culture matrix was designed for use with Essential 8 Medium and has been proven to maintain pluripotency and normal growth characteristics in multiple PSC lines.
Other matrix proteins
Explore these special-purpose cell culture matrix options:
Protocols
Cell culture support center
Find tips, troubleshooting help, and resources for your cell culture workflow.
For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.