I wonder what are the differences between Geltrex and Matrigel used in maintaining primed hESCs in feeder free condition. Is Geltrex is better than Matrigel in maintaining the pluripotency of primed hESCs? Is there any benefits over one another?
Both Geltrex and Matrigel are extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins that are commonly used as substrates for maintaining human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) in feeder-free conditions. These substrates provide essential structural and biochemical cues to support the growth and pluripotency of hESCs. However, there are some differences between Geltrex and Matrigel that might influence their effectiveness in maintaining primed hESCs:
Composition and Source:Geltrex: Geltrex is a commercially available ECM product derived from mouse Engelbreth-Holm-Swarm (EHS) sarcoma cells. It mainly consists of laminin, collagen IV, and other ECM components. It is designed to mimic the natural ECM environment. Matrigel: Matrigel, also derived from the EHS tumor, is a more complex mixture of ECM proteins, growth factors, and other bioactive molecules. It contains a variety of laminins, collagens, growth factors, and proteoglycans.
Complexity and Batch Variability:Geltrex: Geltrex is a relatively simple ECM product, containing fewer components compared to Matrigel. This can lead to less batch-to-batch variability and more consistent results. Matrigel: Due to its complex composition, Matrigel batches can vary in terms of its biochemical and biophysical properties, which might lead to some variability in experimental outcomes.
Pluripotency Maintenance:Both Geltrex and Matrigel have been shown to support the maintenance of hESC pluripotency in feeder-free conditions. However, the specific effects on primed hESCs can vary based on factors such as the cell line being used and the specific experimental conditions.
Availability and Cost:Availability and cost can vary between Geltrex and Matrigel, depending on your location and supplier. Geltrex is offered by various companies, while Matrigel is provided by several manufacturers as well.
Research Preference:Some researchers may prefer Geltrex due to its simplified composition and potentially more consistent performance across batches. Others may favor Matrigel because of its more complex mixture of ECM proteins and bioactive molecules, which could provide a richer microenvironment for the cells.
Application Specificity:Depending on the specific experimental goals, one substrate might be more suitable than the other. For example, if you are aiming for more standardized and reproducible results, Geltrex might be a better choice. On the other hand, if you want to explore the effects of a more diverse ECM environment, Matrigel might be more appropriate.
Ultimately, the choice between Geltrex and Matrigel for maintaining primed hESCs in feeder-free conditions can depend on your research objectives, preferences, and the specific characteristics of the hESC lines you are working with. It's a good idea to perform some preliminary experiments with both substrates to determine which one works best for your specific needs.
Geltrex and Matrigel® matrix are made by different manufacturers and can vary in performance and product offerings. Corning® offers a qualified version of Matrigel® matrix for hESCs which provides an optimized version for robust growth of hESCs while maintaining pluripotency. It is currently in stock and can be shipped out within 2 weeks.