Your choice of QGel matrix depends on the cell type you are studying, the experimental setup and the scientific questions.

• Do you require that cells specifically adhere to its 3D microenvironment and are stimulated through integrin binding?
• Do you require that cells degrade the gel (e.g. for proliferation and migration)?

Please look at p.06 of the QGel™ MT 3D Matrix Product Info brochure  that will guide you to the most suitable QGel™ MT 3D Matrix for your experiment (see also the figure below). However, as a first experiment, we would recommend to encapsulate your cells in each QGel product and observe their behavior to understand which gel condition is suitable for them and for the final application.  Regarding this aspect, the FAQ What to do in my first experiment with QGel matrix? gives precisely good advice about how to start using QGel MT 3D Matrix.

- Ref 1001 (MMP-degradable, with cell binding RGD peptide) could be seen as a copy or analogue of the naturally-derived matrices because of the presence of the cell-binding peptide RGD and MMP-degradability, which represent key features present in natural matrices.

- Ref 1004 (MMP-degradable without cell binding peptide RGD) could be seen as a control matrix to assess the need of the key characteristic present in Ref 1001, i.e. the cell integrin binding RGD peptide. Indeed, some cell types require this peptide to survive and proliferate in the matrix, whereas others don’t. In addition, this matrix can be customized by you to incorporate peptides of your interest (see more details here)

- Ref 1007 (Non-degradable with the peptide RGD) can be used as a negative control matrix to investigate the importance of cell-mediated MMP activity in specific biological processes (e.g. 3D cell proliferation and migration).

The FAQ about spreading/proliferation/migration and MMP-matrix-remodeling may be useful for you to understand better the mechanisms of these QGel matrices. You might also be interested in reading the publication Raeber G.P. et al., Biophysical Journal, 2005 where fibroblasts behavior is studied and compared between different matrix types and characteristics.

Finally please also note that different cell types will behave differently. Again, the FAQ What to do in my first experiment with QGel matrix? will give you good advice about how to start using QGel MT 3D Matrix with your specific cell type.