What is Cultrex BME?
Cultrex Basement Membrane Extracts (BME) are solubilized extracellular matrices (ECM) purified from the Englebreth-Holm-Swarm murine tumor and are rich in extracellular matrix proteins, such as laminin, collagen IV, entactin, and heparan sulfate proteoglycans. ECMs provide structural support for cells and play an important role in establishing tissue organization by influencing cell adhesion, proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Cultrex BMEs serve as a critical growth substrate and provide an optimized environment for cell-to-cell interactions to facilitate in vivo-like growth dynamics.
Choose the Best Basement Membrane Extract for Your Research
Cultrex BMEs are carefully formulated to mimic the complex composition and physical properties of the native ECM, providing a physiologically relevant environment for your cells to grow and function in. We offer a range of Cultrex BME formulations optimized to meet your specific needs.
Need help deciding which matrix is right for you?
See the selection guide below or reach out to a specialist to discuss how to find the right matrix for your next project.
| Application | Product | Without Phenol Red | With Phenol Red | Equivalent Geltrex™ SKUs | Comparable Matrigel® SKUs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Cultrex UltiMatrix |
BME001-05 (RGF) (1, 5, 10 mL) |
- |
- |
356255 (10 mL), 354248 (10 mL), 354262 (10 mL), 354263 (10 mL) |
|
|
Cultrex Basement Membrane Extract, Type 1 |
3432-010-01 (1, 5, 10 mL) |
3432-010-01P (5, 10 mL) |
- |
356234 (5 mL), 354234 (10 mL), 356237 (10 mL), and discontinued versions (356232, 356235, 356254) |
|
|
3433-010-01 (RGF) (1, 5, 10 mL) |
3433-010-01P (RGF) (5, 10 mL) |
A1413201 (1 mL) |
356230 (5 mL), 354230 (10 mL), 356231 (10 mL), and discontinued versions (356252, 356238, 356253, 356239) |
||
|
Cultrex Basement Membrane Extract, Type 2 |
3532-010-02 (1, 5, 10 mL) |
3532-010-02P (5, 10 mL) |
- |
356255 (10 mL) |
|
|
3533-010-02 (RGF) (1, 5, 10 mL) |
3533-010-02P (RGF) (5, 10 mL) |
- |
|||
|
3536-005-02 (RGF, Select) (1, 5 mL) |
- |
- |
- |
||
|
Difficult to Culture Organoids |
Cultrex Basement Membrane Extract, Type R1 |
3433-010-R1 (1, 5, 10 mL) |
- |
- |
356255 (10 mL) |
|
Xenograft, Tumorgraft |
Cultrex Basement Membrane Extract, Type 3 |
3632-010-02 (1, 5, 10 mL) |
3632-010-02P (5, 10 mL) |
- |
- |
|
Stem Cell |
Cultrex Stem Cell Qualified Basement Membrane Extract |
3434-010-02 (RGF) (1, 5, 10 mL) |
- |
A1413301 (1 mL) |
354277 (5 mL), and discontinued versions (356277, 356278) |
|
3434-050-RTU (RGF, ReadyBME) (50 mL) |
A1569601 (50 mL)* |
- |
|||
|
3-D Culture |
Cultrex 3-D Culture Matrix |
3445-010-01 (RGF) (1, 5, 10 mL) |
- |
- |
- |
Note: RGF signifies Reduced Growth Factor
*For more information on equivalency to Geltrex, see FAQs below.
Best Practices for Handling Cultrex Basement Membrane Extracts
Temperature Sensitivity
Basement membrane hydrogels have unique physical properties. They are in a liquid state at 2-8 °C and solidify when brought to room temperature. While a liquid, Cultrex BME matrices can be easily manipulated and diluted, but any fluctuations or temporary exposure to temperatures above 2-8 °C can potentially impact the health and behavior of the cell culture system.
Handling
When working with Cultrex BME matrices or other ECMs, it is recommended to use chilled cell culture media, pipettes, tubes, and other tools. Thaw frozen Cultrex on ice in a 2-8 °C refrigerator overnight. Work quickly and always on ice. Avoid vigorous shaking or vortexing as this can cause the matrix to solidify prematurely or form air bubbles, which can interfere with cell culture.
Storage
For optimal product performance, Cultrex BME Matrices should be stored at ≤-20 °C, in their original container, and used before the expiration date. It is recommended to aliquot into working amounts and keep at -80 °C for long term storage (≥ 1 month). Avoid storing Cultrex BME matrices at 2-8 °C for > 1 day. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, as this can damage the physical properties of the matrix and affect performance.
Consistent Performance for Reliable Results
R&D Systems’ rigorous manufacturing process minimizes lot-to-lot variability, ensuring that you get reliable results every time.
Comparison of 20 lots of Cultrex UltiMatrix BME shows consistently low endotoxin levels and consistently high protein concentrations from lot-to-lot.
Cultrex UltiMatrix BME displays consistent gelling rates and tensile strength (storage modulus) compared to competitor matrices.
Select the Optimal Extracellular Matrix Coating Method for Your Cell Culture
Cultrex BME can readily be applied to various cell culture conditions. The method of use is dictated by multiple factors, including the starting material characteristics, the adherence requirements of your cell or tissue type, and the need for a 2- or 3-D culture system.
Cells are grown on top of a thin layer of Cultrex BME.
The thin coating method for Cultrex BME provides an adherent ECM substrate for cell proliferation and maintenance. It is commonly used for the expansion of embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells but can be broadly applied to cell lines or primary cells. Benefits of this coating method are its simplicity to set up and its accessibility for immunocytochemistry and cell imaging downstream.
Applications
Primary Cell Propagation
iPSC Expansion
Cell Invasion Assays
Recommended Matrices
Cells are grown on top of a thick layer of Cultrex BME.
Compared to the thin coating method, the thick coating method uses a higher concentration of undiluted Cultrex BME, which promotes more in vivo-like cellular behavior and is preferential for the formation of 3-D structures.
Applications
Spheroid Culture
Organoid Culture
Endothelial Vessels
Tube Formation
Aortic Rings
Cells are cultured between two thick layers of Cultrex BME.
The sandwich coating method for Cultrex BME provides a more complex ECM microenvironment for cell growth and differentiation in a more in vivo-like 3-D environment. It is also beneficial for cultures where a larger adherence area is needed to accommodate mechanical stress. While this method takes slightly more work than the thin coating method, the cells are fully embedded into the matrix, providing a more rigid 3-D scaffolding environment.
Applications
iPSC Differentiation
MSC Expansion
Cells are cultured while embedded in Cultrex BME.
The embedded methods both result in the full surrounding of cells in the Cultrex BME hydrogel, which promotes cell expansion and maturation in a more in vivo-like microenvironment compared to the other coating methods.
Applications
Spheroid Culture
Organoid Culture
Invasion and Migration Assays
Recommended Matrices
Cells are cultured while embedded in Cultrex BME and plated into cell culture vessel as domed structures.
The embedded methods both result in the full surrounding of cells in the Cultrex BME hydrogel, which promotes cell expansion and maturation in a more in vivo-like microenvironment compared to the other coating methods.
Applications
Organoid Culture
Organoid Culture Protocols
Is Cultrex BME used differently than Geltrex BME? Will I have to revalidate/optimize all my protocols?
Bio-Techne is the manufacturer of Geltrex and will continue to offer the corresponding BME products under our Cultrex brand.
What is the difference in source material, composition, and preparation between the two products?
The source material, composition, and preparation of Cultrex BME products are identical to the equivalent Geltrex products listed in the product table above. To support transitions, Cultrex BME COA and SDS documentation are available for reference.
What performance differences should I expect? Can I get the same growth rate, cell culture/organoid quality?
You should expect equivalent performance. If your cells grew in Geltrex BME, they will grow in the equivalent Cultrex BME product listed in the table above.
But my cells are special! What cell types/organoids are suitable for growing in Cultrex BME?
Please refer to the information on the product table above for more information on the suitability of different matrices for different applications.
Why do specifications differ for Cultrex Reduced Growth Factor BME vs. Geltrex LDEV-Free Reduced Growth Factor BME?
Both use the same source material, but specifications differ due to different reported testing methods:
- Protein Concentration: Cultrex is measured with BCA, while Geltrex is measured with Lowry. Different testing methods will result in slightly different values, but these materials are the same.
- Gelling Test: Both brands undergo functional gel testing to ensure performance.
- RT-PCR Testing: Geltrex lists a RT-PCR test, which aligns with the Impact VIII testing for Cultrex. It is the same test, labelled differently.
Why doesn’t Cultrex list the HUVEC assay for the Stem Cell Qualified BME if it uses the same source material?
Both products use the same source material, but Cultrex highlights the iPSC assay result, which is more robust and sets a higher standard for stem cell qualification. The HUVEC assay is performed but not highlighted on Cultrex documentation.
Why can’t equivalency be claimed for the Ready-to-Use (RTU) format despite the same source material?
The Geltrex RTU format uses the same source material, but reconstitution is done in a different buffer. Other differences include:
- Endotoxin: Cultrex (< 8 EU/mL) vs. Geltrex (< 1 EU/mL).
- Protein Concentration: Cultrex (BCA) vs. Geltrex (Lowry).
- RT-PCR Testing: Geltrex RT-PCR test is equivalent to Cultrex Impact VIII testing, just listed differently.
