StemBeads® Qkine FGF-2 154 aa DISC™ device (mini)£160.00
StemBeads® Qkine FGF-2 154 aa DISC™ device (mini)
£160.00
StemBeads® Qkine FGF-2 154 aa DISC™ devices are biocompatible and non-degradable hydrogels that contain FGF-2 154 aa StemBeads®. Combining StemBeads® Qkine FGF-2 154 aa, a patented growth factor supplement that offers a novel way to culture cells with native FGF-2 more efficiently, DISC devices are easy to add and remove, giving scientists enhanced control of growth factor levels in their stem cell and organoid cultures. FGF-2 154 aa is key for growth of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), fibroblast cells, wound healing cells such as macrophages, cancer cells, and neural progenitor cells (NPCs).
StemCultures StemBeads® revolutionary controlled-release protein technology combined with Qkine high purity and bioactivity animal origin-free growth factors and cytokines stabilizes growth factor levels for increased cell culture consistency and reproducibility.
In stock
Orders are typically shipped same or next day (except Friday).
Easy world-wide ordering, direct or through our distributors.
£160.00
1000 µg will be dispatched as 2 x 500 µg.
Buy online with secure credit card or purchase order. For any questions, please email ryan.weber@matriqx.com
Summary:
- High purity human FGF-2 protein (Uniprot: P09038)
Micro-encapsulated high purity protein
48 mini DISC™ devices per pack
Lot-to-lot consistency in bioactivity
- Product supplied in liquid form
Featured applications:
Expansion of induced pluripotent, embryonic and mesenchymal stem cells
Alternative proteins
We are a company founded and run by scientists to provide a service and support innovation in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. All our products are exceptionally high purity, with complete characterisation and bioactivity analysis on every lot.
Protein background
StemBeads® Qkine FGF-2 154 aa DISCs™ are inert, non-degradable, biocompatible hydrogels that release defined levels of native FGF-2 stably into culture medium over the course of one week. Qkine FGF-2 DISCs™ are loaded with StemBeads® Qkine FGF-2, PLGA microbeads that encapsulate FGF-2 (Qk027) as controlled-release technology. Qkine FGF-2 DISCs™ are easy to add and remove, giving scientists enhanced control of growth factor levels in their cultures. Controlled delivery and stable levels overcome the 4.5 hour half-life of FGF-2 and improve cell cultures while saving researchers valuable time and resources.
StemBeads® Qkine FGF-2 154 aa have been tested in media such as mTeSR, mTeSR plus, Stemflex, Flex 8, Nutristem, 10% FBS, and neuronal medium including neural progenitor expansion medium (NPEM) with enhanced cellular profiles. StemBeads® Qkine FGF2 154 aa can be combined with other StemBeads® varieties.
FGF-2 is an essential growth factor for the maintenance of pluripotency in human embryonic stem cells (ESCs), induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) [1] and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) [2]. FGF-2 preserves pluripotency through interaction with PI3 kinase/Akt, ERK1/2, JAK/STAT and PLCγ pathways by activation of activin A. In feeder culture systems FGF-2 stimulates production of essential growth factors and cytokines from the feeder layer [2].
StemBeads® are a revolutionary controlled-release growth factor technology. The StemBeads® product is currently used for improved cell culture in more than 100 scientific laboratories globally. StemBeads® technology encapsulates a growth factor in a PLGA hydrogel that stabilizes the protein and releases it steadily over several days. With growth factor levels stabilized, spontaneous differentiation is reduced, pluripotency is increased, and feeding schedules are reduced to only 2-3 times per week.
DISC™ device technology allows you to use your favorite media and feed less often. One DISC™ can be added per passage and can remain in the culture well/vessel for several media feeds (i.e., a pack of 48 DISCs™ will last 2 months when culturing in a 6 well plate). When added into media, DISCs™ are designed to release at a constant 10 ng/ml. As DISCs™ rehydrate, they will swell and become transparent.
Embedded StemBeads® will be visible under a microscope. An image of a DISC™ under a microscope is included above for reference. This technology gives scientists enhanced control over growth factor levels in their cultures to provide robust, high-quality cells.
StemCultures offers two DISC™ product sizes to accommodate standard culture plate sizes. Standard size DISCs™ (Qk-DSC500) are approximately 2-3 mm in diameter when dry, 5-6 mm diameter when rehydrated. Mini DISCs™ (Qk-DSC505) are approximately 1-2 mm in diameter when dry, 2-3 mm in diameter when rehydrated. To find which DISC is ideal for your purpose, see the table below:
| Plate Size | Volume of Medium Per Well | Recommended DISC size | Sustained FGF-2 Release* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 well | 2 ml | Standard (Qk-DSC500) | 10 ng/ml |
| 12 well | 1 ml | Mini (Qk-DSC505) | 10 ng/ml |
| 12 well | 2 ml | Standard (Qk-DSC500) | 10 ng/ml |
| 24 well | 1 ml | Mini (Qk-DSC505) | 10 ng/ml |
| 24 well | 2 ml | Standard (Qk-DSC500) | 10 ng/ml |
| 48 well | 1 ml | Mini (Qk-DSC505) | 10 ng/ml |
*we recommend a release of 10 ng/ml when culturing iPSCs. However, to fit other needs, the release can be adjusted slightly based on the amount of media that is added. See the table below for reference:
| Number of Standard Size DISCs™
(Qk-DSC500) Per Well |
Volume of Medium Per Well | Sustained FGF-2 Release |
|---|---|---|
| 1 DISC | 250 μl | 80 ng/ml |
| 1 DISC | 500 μl | 40 ng/ml |
| 1 DISC | 1 ml | 20 ng/ml |
| 1 DISC | 2 ml | 10 ng/ml |
| 1 DISC | 4 ml | 5 ng/ml |
FAQ
Do I need to change the type of media I use if I am using StemCultures products?
No, all StemCultures products supplement your media of choice. Your media will not change, but your feeding schedule will be reduced.
What if I want to use a different concentration, can the protein release from FGF-2 DISC™ Devices be adjusted?
The protein concentration can be adjusted based on the number of DISCs™ added and the medium volume. For example, placing one FGF-2 DISC™ into 2 ml of media will release FGF-2 at 10 ng/ml. Adding an FGF-2 DISC™ to 4 ml of medium will half the release to 5 ng/ml. Similarly, adding 2 FGF-2 DISCs™ to 2 ml of medium will double the release to 20 ng/ml.
Will StemBeads® DISC™ Devices interfere with my downstream application of the cells?
Cells cultured with DISC™ have been used in a variety of downstream applications, including FACS, RNA/DNA extraction, nucleofection, differentiation, organoid generation, and others with no negative effects. If necessary for differentiation protocols, DISCs™ can be cleanly removed using a low powered vacuum tip.
What do I do if DISC™ Devices become hydrated in the packaging?
DISCs are hydrogels and readily absorb moisture, which can cause them to stick and become more difficult to handle. We recommend storing DISC™ Devices at 4 °C in a moisture free environment. If DISC™ Devices do absorb moisture, e.g. if they were left out on a humid day, they should be re-dried by placing the packaging with the lid ajar for 15-30 minutes in a cell culture hood with the blower on.
What should I do if I see pH changes in my cultures?
Cultures should be monitored, and additional medium changes performed as needed, particularly for high density cultures that may require more frequent medium changes i.e. 3x rather than 2x a week. Additional buffers, such as sodium bicarbonate or HEPES, are rarely needed to maintain pH levels in very dense and metabolically active cultures.
How often do I need to change the FGF-2 DISC™ device?
We recommend changing the FGF-2 DISC™ device every 6-8 days.
Do I have to change a FGF-2 DISC™ device every time I do a medium change?
No, leave the same FGF-2 DISC™ device in the well for about a week and perform medium changes without changing the DISC™ device. For tips and an instructional video on using and removing DISC™ devices, click this link: https://stemcultures.com/discs/
How big are FGF-2 DISC™ devices?
FGF-2 DISC™ devices are available in two sizes, Standard and Mini. Standard size DISC™ devices are approximately 2-3 mm in diameter when dry, 5-6 mm in diameter when rehydrated. Mini size DISC™ devices are approximately 1-2 mm in diameter when dry, 2-3 mm in diameter when rehydrated.
Are DISC™ devices difficult to add or remove from my cultures?
No, DISC™ devices can be easily added using sterile forceps and removed by using a low vacuum or pipette.
What if I observe a lower proliferation of pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) after a passage?
We suggest increasing your seeding density (i.e. decrease the split ratio).
What should I do if I see increased cell debris in my cultures?
When medium is changed less often, it should be expected that cell debris will accumulate and may appear at a higher level than when medium is changed daily. Users have not reported this as being detrimental.
Our products are for research use only and not for diagnostic or therapeutic use. Products are not for resale.
For use in manufacturing of cellular or gene therapy products. Not intended for in vivo applications.
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