Cultrex Basement Membrane Extract, Type 2, Pathclear

Many cell lines and tumor biopsy specimens (usually cut into small fragments) have been found to grow in vivo when implanted with Cultrex^® BME. These include melanoma, intestinal, prostate, breast, lung, renal, and liver cancers as well as the 3T3 mouse embryonic fibroblast cell line.

All epithelial and endothelial cells are in contact with a basement membrane matrix on at least one of their surfaces. By providing them with their natural matrix in vitro as a substrate for the cells that provides biological cues, the cells can assume a more physiological morphology (i.e. correct shape) and begin expression of cell-lineage specific proteins. Two-dimensional plastic surfaces, in combination with serum-containing media, cause cells to flatten, proliferate and de-differentiate.

Cultrex BME should be stored at or below -20°C for optimal stability. Preparation of working aliquots is recommended. Cultrex BME should be thawed overnight on ice at 4°C, however long term storage at 4°C is not recommended. Freeze/thaw cycles and gel-liquid phase transitions should be avoided, since they can compromise product integrity.

Any plate that is tissue culture treated will bind Cultrex domes/Cultrex coatings. Non-treated or low attachment plates are not recommended for organoid growth and for other cell cultures using coated BME.  The domes will float away if non-treated or low-attachment plates are used. Bio-Techne has used the folllowing plates: Corning 96-well, Catalog # 3595;  Corning 24-well, Catalog #3526;  ThermoFisher 6-well,  Catalog # 140675.