StemBeads® Qkine FGF-2 154 aa Price range: £95.00 through £215.00View product
StemBeads® Qkine FGF-2 154 aa
Price range: £95.00 through £215.00
StemBeads® Qkine FGF-2 154 aa is a patented growth factor supplement that offers a novel way to culture cells with native fibroblast growth factor 2 more efficiently. FGF-2 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).
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.
Price range: £95.00 through £215.00
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 comprising longer structured 154 aa region, residues 135-288 (Uniprot: P09038)
Micro-encapsulated high purity protein
StemBeads® technology for controlled-release
Lot-to-lot consistency in bioactivity
- Product supplied in liquid form
Featured applications:
Expansion of induced pluripotent, embryonic and mesenchymal stem cells
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 is a patented growth factor supplement that offers a novel way to culture cells with native Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 more efficiently. FGF-2 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). StemBeads® Qkine FGF2 154 aa are microbeads composed of an FDA approved, biodegradable PLGA polymer that is loaded with Qkine recombinant human FG-F2 154 aa (Qk027, Highly pure and bioactive 17 kDa FGF-2 protein animal origin-free (AOF) and carrier protein-free (CF)). Controlled delivery and stable levels overcome the 4.5 hour half-life (Figure above) 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.
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. StemBeads are added to your medium to achieve a desired growth factor release, sustained over several days. Following, the beads are washed from the culture, the medium is replaced, and the process repeated as required.
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].
Additional resources
Publications using StemBeads® Qkine FGF-2 154 aa
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Sustained levels of FGF2 maintain undifferentiated stem cell cultures with biweekly feeding
Lotz S, Goderie S, Tokas N et al.
DOI: DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0056289 -
Cholesterol and matrisome pathways dysregulated in astrocytes and microglia
TCW J, Qian L, Pipalia NH et al.
DOI: DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2022.05.017
FAQ
Will StemBeads® interfere with my downstream application of the cells?
StemBeads® can be easily removed prior to analysis by washing 1-2 times with PBS, DMEM, F12 or any other basal medium preferred. For suspension cultures, there are a variety of strainer pore sizes to allow for separation. Cells cultured with StemBeads® have been used in a variety of downstream applications, including but not limited to: immunofluorescence, FACS, RNA/DNA extraction, nucleofection, differentiation etc.
What if I want to use a different concentration, can the protein release be adjusted?
The protein concentration can be adjusted based on the number of StemBeads® that you use. The release rate has a linear correlation with the amount of StemBeads® used. For example, 8 µl of StemBeads® per ml of media releases at a concentration of 10 ng/ml. However, if you desire half of that concentration, such as 5 ng/ml, then adjust the concentration to 4 µl of StemBeads® per ml media to achieve the concentration of 5 ng/ml.
How often do I change media when using StemBeads®?
With growth factor levels stabilized, spontaneous differentiation is reduced, pluripotency is increased, and feeding schedules are reduced to only 2-3 times per week. StemBeads are added to your medium to achieve a desired growth factor release, sustained over several days. Following, the beads are washed from the culture, the medium is replaced, and the process repeated as required.
The pH indicator in my growth medium appears very yellow when not changing media daily. Is this a problem?
No, this is not a problem or indication of cell quality. Extensive testing has been performed to access the cell quality when using StemBeads®. All phenotypic and functional assays have shown cell quality as good or better than current feeding regimens. For best assessment of cells, wash cells once prior to observation.
What is FGF-2?
Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2), also known as basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is a growth factor and signaling protein.
Where is FGF-2 found?
FGF-2 is expressed in a developmental and tissue specific manner. It’s expression is tightly controlled in normal tissues and it can be detected in all major tissues.
What does FGF-2 do?
FGF-2 is essential for normal embryonic development. It has roles in cell survival and proliferation, angiogenesis, tumorigenesis, wound healing and tissue repair.
How is FGF-2 used in stem cell culture?
FGF-2 is used to maintain the pluripotency of stem cells in culture.
What does FGF-2 bind to?
FGF-2 binds to and signals though all four of the FGF receptors FGFR1-4.
What is the difference between FGF-2 145 aa and 154 aa?
Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 (FGF-2) exists in two main isoforms, distinguished by length: 145 amino acids (aa) and 154 aa. The 154 aa variant contains an additional nine amino acids at the N-terminus. While this extension is not essential for biological activity, it may influence the protein’s localization within cells.
Key differences between the isoforms:
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FGF-2 (145 aa):
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The most widely used form, supporting proliferation and survival of stem and progenitor cells.
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Commonly preferred for organoid culture due to its robust activity and well-established performance.
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FGF-2 (154 aa):
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Contains an N-terminal extension that may affect intracellular localization or signaling.
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Typically, not required for standard organoid or stem cell maintenance, unless specific signaling or localization effects are being investigated.
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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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