Bioactive molecules, such as synthetic peptides and growth factors, can be incorporated into QGel™ MT 3D Matrices during gelation. Please read carefully the following explanations:

If you want to covalently bind specific peptides to QGel™ MT 3D Matrix:

Important: First of all, please contact QGel™ for important information about the design of the peptide domain required for matrix incorporation.

Specific synthetic peptides can be tethered covalently to QGel MT 3D Matrix. The figure below describes the process: 25 uL solution of the peptide of interest has to be added to the gel solution right after resuspension with the QGel™ buffer (step 2.a). Then, the cell suspension is added to the mixture (step 2.b) and gel discs can be casted as usual (see the FAQ How to encapsulate cells in QGel?). Attention: final peptide concentration should be maximum 70 uM if you want to have similar physicochemical gel properties (G' modulus and swelling) compared to the soft QGel matrix product range.

• download PDF Protocol

If you want to incorporate growth factors to QGel™ MT 3D Matrix:

The strategy of incorporation and delivery of growth factors strongly depends on the nature of the molecule, and this aspect requires further investigation by the users. Please contact QGel™ explaining what you would like to do exactly and we will help you to design your experiment.

Examples of incorporation of peptides, BMP and VEGF can be found in published literature, some of which are listed on p.08 of the QGel™ Technology Brochure (see also table below).