CELLvo™ Matrix Technology
CELLvo™ Matrix is the only commercially available substrate that aims to recapitulate biochemical as well as structural and mechanical cues of the native niche by leaving the extracellular matrix intact. Cell-derived matrices create a biologically-relevant culture environment for a variety of cell types by providing all the cues cells expect to receive in vivo in our culture dishes. This means that instead of responding to foreign culture conditions, cells respond to our customers’ experimental variables.
Depiction of evolution of cell culture from suspension cultures, to plastic dishes, to the future of biomimetics.
THE NEXT EVOLUTION IN CELL CULTURE
Modern stem cell culture dates to the identification of hematopoietic stem cells by Till & McCulloch in 1961, and the subsequent accidental discovery of a subpopulation of bone marrow cells that were adherent to the bottom and sides of the culture vessels. Later, the surfaces were optimized for rapid isolation and expansion of cells, but very little purposeful effort has gone into ensuring that these substrates supply necessary signals to obtain biologically-relevant data from in vitro work. Because cells respond just as strongly to signals they don’t receive as those that they do, we are inventing the next generation of biologically-relevant cell culture systems, utilizing cell-derived matrices.
THERE IS NO PLACE LIKE HOME
In vivo, cell behavior is guided by a complex interplay with the extracellular matrix. Cells respond to mechanical, structural, and biochemical cues from their extracellular matrix and these signals are necessary for achieving “normal” function. Cell culture approaches that assume the substrate “works” if the cells adhere and proliferate, disregard the current consensus about the importance of extracellular factors in determining cell function and fate. At StemBioSys®, we induce human cells to secrete a matrix in cell culture dishes. That matrix is then decellularized, leaving behind a cell-derived extracellular matrix for cell culture. This biomimetic substrate provides the cues cells expect enabling healthy phenotypes and biologically-relevant results from a variety of cell types.
Schematic of our production method for CELLvo™ Matrices. For detailed methods, see our published manuscripts.
BM-MSC isolation from primary bone marrow mononuclear cells (100x) at day 14.
ENABLES XENO-FREE ISOLATION
When isolating primary cells from human or animal tissues, high concentrations of FBS are often required for cell attachment to foreign substrates. With CELLvo™ XF Matrix, cells naturally home and adhere to their new niche. With a variety of cell types, we routinely see more rapid attachment and proliferation of primary cells.
PHENOTYPE RETENTION DURING CULTURE
When cells are taken from their niche, they respond with changes in their gene expression. On CELLvo™ Matrix, cells retain more natural gene expression, contributing to better phenotype retention during culture. This enables investigators to maintain healthier cells for more passages or pursue any number of applications where cell phenotype is important.
Heat map of gene expression of cells after seeding onto TCP vs. CELLvo™ Matrix. Seeding onto simple substrates results in a shift in gene expression toward matrisome proteins they aren’t seeing.
Amnion MSCs in culture on CELLvo™ Matrix (100x).
OPTICALLY CLEAR & GREAT FOR MICROSCOPY
The thin layer of matrix at the bottom of the culture vessel is optically clear and cells grow in a monolayer on top, allowing for beautiful brightfield imaging. If your application requires fluorescence imaging, you can stain the cells directly on the CELLvo™ Matrix. FITC or Alexa Fluor 488 may exhibit some background fluorescence from the plastic dish.