QCM Cell Invasion Assays

Proprietary ECMatrix™ coating technology provides consistency between lots and wells
In vitro basement membrane thickness optimized for screening of invading cells
Sensitivity is 10-fold greater than other cell invasion methods

The basement membrane surrounding the blood vessel endothelium is a thin, specialized network of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins that serves many functions. The ability of tumor cells to degrade the ECM components of the basement membrane and surrounding tissues is directly correlated with metastatic potential. QCM Cell Invasion Assays provide a convenient and sensitive evaluation of in vitro cell invasion through a basement membrane model. The plate inserts contain a microporous polycarbonate membrane layered with an ECM solution, either collagen or ECMatrix solution. ECMatrix solution is a solid gel of basement membrane proteins prepared from the Engelbreth Holm-Swarm(EHS) mouse tumor, and functions as an in vitro basement membrane.

The ECM occludes the membrane pores, blocking non-invasive cells from migrating through. By contrast, invasive cells migrate through the ECM layer and cling to the bottom of the polycarbonate membrane. Depending on the kit format, the invasive cells are either stained and counted with a light microscope, or detached, lysed and stained using fluorimetric detection.