A silicone insert designed for gel matrices and cellular interfaces
Applications
The micro-Insert 3D is a biocompatible, silicone insert used for creating cellular interfaces on or in gel matrices for:
- 3D cell culture with hydrogels (e.g., collagen or Matrigel)
- Live cell imaging of cells inside or on top of a hydrogel matrix
- Immunofluorescence staining
- Co-culture
- Transport assays
- Apical-basal cell polarity assays
- Cell barrier model assays with apical-basal gradients
- Cell migration assays (e.g., immune cell, tumor invasion, or metastasis)
Technical Features
- 3 mm inner well geometry creates a flat gel surface when using 20 µl of gel*
- No artificial membranes—excellent optical properties for microscopy
- Compatible with various gel types, including Matrigel®, collagen, and others*
- Flexible assays with cells in 2D and 3D gel matrices
- Suitable for live cell imaging, fixation, and immunofluorescence staining
- Sterile with single packaging
- Ready-to-use in a µ-Dish 35 mm, high
*The gel matrix is not included with this product.
Product Benefits
The micro-Insert 3D can be used for applications in which porous membrane inserts are typically utilized. Instead of a porous membrane, the micro-Insert 3D uses a hydrogel to separate the well into an outer (Solution A) and an inner (Solution B) compartment. This membrane-free design allows for better microscopy access in phase contrast and fluorescence microscopy—ideal for long-term, high resolution live cell imaging. Compared to porous membranes, the micro-Insert 3D provides more in vivo-like modeling for cell cultures: no hard surfaces, no artificial pores, and no rigid cellular interface. The unique design permits direct fluidic access to both the apical and basal sides of the cells and gel matrix. The micro-Insert 3D has an adhesive underside that prevents leaking on smooth, dry surfaces, like microscopy slides and dishes. It can be ordered ready-to-use in our µ-Dish 35 mm, high (80496) or in a transport petri dish for self-insertion (80499). The micro-Insert 3D can easily be transferred to any labware using sterile tweezers.
- Save reagents and money due to a low gel volume
- Mimics native in vivo conditions combined with excellent microscopy access (no artificial membranes used)
- The 3D assay approach provides physiological relevance and high flexibility
Technical Possibilities
The micro-Insert 3D offers a range of technical assay possibilities, by providing several flexible applications. It is primarily used to create a cell layer on top of a hydrogel, which forms a cell interface that divides the chamber into basal and apical compartments. Various modifications can also be easily implemented, such as embedding cells or spheroids/organoids within the gel matrix. Additionally, cells can be cultured in the outer well, which enhances flexibility for co-cultivation assays.
