Name: Biofargo Growth Factor Reduced, Phenol Red-Free Basement Membrane Matrix
SKU: BFMAT10

Description

Color interference, undefined growth factor activity, and inconsistent gel formation can complicate organoid and three-dimensional cell culture workflows. These variables may make it more difficult to distinguish experimental responses from signals introduced by the extracellular matrix itself, particularly in fluorescence-based assays and studies that require controlled growth factor supplementation.

Biofargo Growth Factor Reduced, Phenol Red-Free Basement Membrane Matrix, BFMAT10, is a natural basement membrane matrix extracted from mouse tumor tissue rich in extracellular matrix proteins. The formulation provides a laminin-rich three-dimensional matrix containing collagen IV, entactin and heparan sulfate proteoglycans, creating a basement membrane-like environment for cell embedding, matrix coating and organoid culture research.

This phenol red-free basement membrane matrix is formulated to reduce visible color interference while limiting background signals associated with endogenous growth factors. The product is supplied in high-glucose, phenol red-free DMEM and has a protein concentration of 8–12 mg/mL. At 4°C, the thawed matrix remains liquid for handling and dispensing; after warming, it forms a stable extracellular matrix hydrogel, with gelation occurring more rapidly at 37°C.

BFMAT10 is intended for research workflows requiring a growth factor reduced basement membrane matrix, including organoid culture, 3D cell culture, fluorescence-compatible culture systems and studies in which researchers need greater control over externally added growth factors.

Specifications

Product Name	Biofargo Growth Factor Reduced, Phenol Red-Free Basement Membrane Matrix
SKU	BFMAT10
Product Type	Low growth factor phenol red-free basement membrane matrix
Matrix Source	Mouse tumor-derived basement membrane extract
Size	10 mL
Protein Concentration	8–12 mg/mL
Appearance	Translucent, pale yellow
Physical State	Liquid after thawing at 4°C
Diluent	High-glucose, phenol red-free DMEM
Antibiotic	50 μg/mL gentamicin in standard, non-custom formulations
Endotoxin	≤10 EU/mL
Gelation Time	Approximately 5–30 minutes at room temperature; gelation is faster at 37°C
Storage	≤−20°C
Shipping Condition	Frozen, ≤−20°C
Shelf Life	24 months
Grade	For research use only

Matrix Composition

BFMAT10 is a naturally derived basement membrane extract containing extracellular matrix proteins and associated biological components. Its principal structural components include:

Laminin, a major basement membrane glycoprotein involved in cell adhesion and matrix organization
Collagen IV, a structural collagen that contributes to the basement membrane network
Entactin, also known as nidogen, which connects laminin and collagen IV networks
Heparan sulfate proteoglycans, which contribute to extracellular matrix structure and molecular interactions

As a natural tumor-derived extracellular matrix, the product may also contain residual endogenous factors, including IGF-1, TGF-β, VEGF, EGF and bFGF. The low growth factor formulation is designed to reduce, rather than completely eliminate, growth factor-associated background activity.

Features

Low growth factor basement membrane matrix for experiments requiring reduced endogenous signaling background
Phenol red-free formulation helps minimize visible color and fluorescence interference
Contains key basement membrane proteins, including laminin, collagen IV, entactin and heparan sulfate proteoglycans
Protein concentration controlled within an 8–12 mg/mL range
Remains liquid when properly thawed and handled at 4°C
Temperature-responsive gelation supports convenient cold handling and rapid matrix formation after warming
Suitable for organoid embedding and three-dimensional extracellular matrix culture workflows
Supplied in high-glucose, phenol red-free DMEM
Each batch is evaluated in an organoid culture test
Tested for mycoplasma, bacterial and fungal contamination
Broad PCR-based pathogen testing includes LDEV

Quality Control

Quality Attribute	Test or Acceptance Criterion
Mycoplasma	Not detected
Bacterial Contamination	Not detected
Fungal Contamination	Not detected
Endotoxin	Tested using a gel-clot limit test; product specification ≤10 EU/mL
Protein Concentration	Measured by BCA assay
Pathogen Screening	Broad PCR-based testing for multiple pathogens, including LDEV
Functional Evaluation	Each batch is evaluated using an organoid culture test

Gelation and Stability

BFMAT10 is temperature-sensitive. The thawed material remains liquid at 4°C and begins to form a basement membrane hydrogel as the temperature increases. At room temperature, gelation generally occurs within approximately 5–30 minutes, while incubation at 37°C accelerates gel formation.

Evaluated Dilution Condition

When the matrix was diluted with culture medium at a 1:2 ratio and incubated at 37°C for 30 minutes, it formed a gel. After culture medium was added, the matrix retained its gel structure for five days under the evaluated 37°C condition.

Evaluated 70% Matrix Condition

When diluted to a final matrix content of 70%, dispensed at 50 μL in a cell culture plate and incubated at 37°C for 30 minutes, the product formed a stable gel. After culture medium was added, the gel structure was maintained for up to 15 days under the evaluated 37°C culture condition.

Important: The evaluated dilution and gel stability conditions are reference data rather than a universal protocol. Optimal matrix concentration, volume and gelation time should be determined for each cell type, culture vessel and experimental workflow.

Applications

Biofargo Growth Factor Reduced, Phenol Red-Free Basement Membrane Matrix is designed for research applications that require a laminin-rich extracellular matrix while minimizing phenol red-related color interference and reducing the contribution of endogenous growth factors. It can be incorporated into matrix coating, cell embedding and three-dimensional culture workflows according to laboratory-specific protocols.

Organoid Culture and Expansion

This organoid culture matrix provides a three-dimensional basement membrane-like environment for embedding organoids and supporting spatial tissue organization. Each production batch is evaluated in an organoid culture test, making BFMAT10 suitable for laboratories developing or maintaining organoid workflows.

Human or animal organoid culture research
Organoid establishment and three-dimensional expansion
Embedding organoids within a basement membrane hydrogel
Long-term organoid culture workflows requiring a stable matrix structure
Organoid morphology and imaging studies

3D Cell Culture

The matrix can be used as a three-dimensional cell culture scaffold where cells require extracellular matrix proteins such as laminin and collagen IV. Its temperature-dependent gelation allows the product to be handled as a cold liquid and converted into a semi-solid matrix after incubation.

Three-dimensional cell embedding
Basement membrane matrix coating
Cell–matrix interaction studies
Extracellular matrix-dependent cell morphology research
Culture models requiring a laminin-rich ECM matrix

Growth Factor-Controlled Research

Endogenous growth factors present in natural basement membrane extracts may complicate experiments that evaluate defined signaling conditions. The reduced growth factor formulation helps researchers limit this background contribution when studying the effects of separately added growth factors, inhibitors or other experimental treatments.

Studies involving controlled addition of exogenous growth factors
Cell signaling research requiring reduced matrix-derived background
Comparative culture studies using defined treatment conditions
Experimental workflows sensitive to endogenous matrix-associated factors

Fluorescence-Compatible Culture Workflows

Phenol red may contribute visible color and background interference in some imaging and optical detection workflows. The phenol red-free formulation is appropriate for laboratories seeking a basement membrane matrix with reduced color interference.

Fluorescence microscopy of matrix-embedded cells or organoids
Live-cell imaging research
Confocal imaging of three-dimensional cultures
Image-based analysis where phenol red is undesirable

Cancer and Tumor Model Research

BFMAT10 may be used as an extracellular matrix scaffold in research models involving tumor-derived cells or organoids when a low growth factor, phenol red-free matrix is preferred. Researchers should optimize matrix concentration and culture conditions for the specific model.

Tumor organoid culture research
Three-dimensional cancer cell culture
Patient-derived organoid research workflows
Drug-response studies using matrix-embedded organoids

Recommended Handling

Store the unopened product at or below −20°C.
Thaw the matrix under refrigerated conditions at approximately 4°C.
Keep the product, pipette tips, tubes and culture vessels cold during preparation to reduce premature gelation.
Mix gently while cold. Avoid vigorous agitation that may introduce bubbles.
Dispense the required volume while the matrix remains liquid.
Incubate at the temperature and duration established for the specific culture protocol.
Because the matrix is biologically derived, optimize concentration and handling conditions for each cell line or organoid model.

Formulation note: Standard non-custom products contain 50 μg/mL gentamicin. Researchers performing antibiotic-free experiments should consider this formulation detail during experimental planning.

Why Choose a Low Growth Factor Phenol Red-Free Matrix?

A standard basement membrane extract can provide a supportive extracellular environment, but its native growth factors and color components may introduce variables into sensitive experiments. These effects are particularly relevant when investigators are adding defined signaling molecules, quantifying fluorescence or comparing treatment-dependent responses.

BFMAT10 combines a low growth factor formulation with a phenol red-free diluent to address these practical laboratory concerns. The matrix retains the key structural proteins expected from a natural basement membrane extract while providing a more suitable format for growth factor-sensitive studies, organoid imaging and three-dimensional cell culture workflows.

FAQ

What is Biofargo Growth Factor Reduced, Phenol Red-Free Basement Membrane Matrix used for?

BFMAT10 is a natural basement membrane matrix used in research workflows such as organoid culture, three-dimensional cell culture, extracellular matrix coating, cell embedding and fluorescence-based imaging studies.

What is the difference between growth factor reduced matrix and a standard basement membrane matrix?

A low growth factor matrix is formulated to reduce the amount of endogenous growth factors associated with natural basement membrane extracts. This can help reduce matrix-derived background when researchers are studying defined growth factor conditions or signaling responses. It does not mean that all endogenous growth factors are completely absent.

Why is a phenol red-free basement membrane matrix useful?

A phenol red-free basement membrane matrix helps minimize visible color and potential optical background from phenol red. This may be beneficial for fluorescence microscopy, confocal imaging, live-cell imaging and other image-based assays involving cells or organoids embedded in an extracellular matrix hydrogel.

Is BFMAT10 suitable for organoid culture?

Yes. BFMAT10 is suitable for organoid culture research, and each batch is evaluated using an organoid culture test. The optimal matrix concentration, droplet volume and culture protocol should be established for the specific organoid type.

What extracellular matrix proteins are present in BFMAT10?

The principal components include laminin, collagen IV, entactin or nidogen, and heparan sulfate proteoglycans. These proteins contribute to the basement membrane-like structure of the matrix.

Does the product contain any growth factors?

The product is a low growth factor formulation rather than a completely growth factor-free matrix. As a naturally derived basement membrane extract, it may contain residual factors such as IGF-1, TGF-β, VEGF, EGF and bFGF.

What is the protein concentration of BFMAT10?

The specified protein concentration range is 8–12 mg/mL, measured using the BCA method.

How quickly does the basement membrane matrix gel?

The matrix generally gels within approximately 5–30 minutes at room temperature. Gelation occurs more rapidly at 37°C. Actual gelation time may vary with matrix concentration, dispensed volume, vessel temperature and handling conditions.

How should phenol red-free basement membrane matrix be thawed?

The product should be thawed under refrigerated conditions at approximately 4°C. It should be kept cold during preparation because warming can initiate gelation.

Can BFMAT10 be diluted with culture medium?

Yes. The product documentation includes evaluated diluted conditions, including a 1:2 matrix-to-medium condition and a 70% matrix condition. However, dilution can alter gel strength and stability, so the appropriate concentration should be optimized for each application.

How stable is the gel after polymerization?

Under an evaluated 1:2 dilution condition, the gel maintained its structure for five days at 37°C after medium addition. Under an evaluated 70% matrix condition, the gel maintained its structure for up to 15 days. These results are reference data and may vary with the culture system.

Does BFMAT10 contain antibiotics?

Standard non-custom formulations contain 50 μg/mL gentamicin. This should be considered when planning antibiotic-free or antimicrobial-sensitive experiments.

What contamination and pathogen testing is performed?

The product is tested for mycoplasma, bacterial and fungal contamination. Broad PCR-based pathogen testing is also performed and includes LDEV screening.

What is the endotoxin specification?

The endotoxin specification is ≤10 EU/mL.

How should BFMAT10 be stored?

The product should be stored frozen at or below −20°C. The stated shelf life is 24 months when stored under the recommended conditions.

Is this product intended for clinical or diagnostic use?

No. BFMAT10 is intended for research use only and is not intended for diagnostic, therapeutic or clinical applications.

For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

Basement Membrane Matrix, Growth Factor Reduced, Phenol Red-Free