ECM assay kits

Extracellular Matrix analysis

Each kit quantifies a specific component of the extracellular matrix. All kits are based on a dye-binding approach and offer a user-friendly workflow. Pick the one that matches the molecule you need to measure.

Learn more about the ECM ↓

Collagen sGAG & proteoglycans Elastin Hyaluronan

dye-based assay kits

major ECM components measured

950+

peer-reviewed papers since 2022

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The range

Our range of ECM assay kits

Collagen assays

The Sircol family measures collagen in two fractions: soluble collagen, which is newly made and can be extracted with cold acid or acid-pepsin (or is already in fluids and culture media), and insoluble collagen, the mature, cross-linked collagen left behind. Use one kit, or two together for total collagen.

Soluble collagen

Sircol 2.0

An easy-to-use, dye-based assay for measuring soluble collagen from in-vivo and in-vitro samples. Improved sensitivity and reduced interference compared to Sircol™ Original.

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Insoluble collagen

Sircol Insoluble

A dye-based assay for analysis of insoluble (pepsin-resistant) collagens within solid tissue samples.

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Soluble collagen (legacy)

Sircol Original

Biocolor's original (legacy) kit for quantifying soluble collagen from in-vivo sources. Useful for when continuity is required with previous work.

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sGAG & proteoglycan assays

Blyscan is a dye-based assay for quantifying sulfated glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans in samples of cartilage, bone, connective and tumour tissue, or from in-vitro extracellular matrices. This assay is also suitable for analysis of fluids such as urine and synovial fluid.

sGAG

Blyscan™

Quantify sulfated glycosaminoglycans & proteoglycans in samples from in-vivo and in-vitro sources, including cartilage, bone and connective tissue.

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Elastin assays

Fastin is our dye-based assay for quantifying elastin, from immature tropoelastins through to mature insoluble fibres. Suitable sample sources include tissues, fluids and 2D/3D cell culture material.

Elastin

Fastin™

Quantify tropoelastin and insoluble elastins in samples such as lung, skin, blood vessels and decellularised ECM.

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Hyaluronan assays

Our Purple-Jelley assay kit quantifies hyaluronic acid purified from skin, soft tissue and cartilage. (Hyaluronic Acid is a non-sulfated glycosaminoglycan and is therefore not detected by our Blyscan sGAG assay).

Hyaluronan

Purple-Jelley

Quantify hyaluronic acid in samples such as skin, soft tissue and cartilage.

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Compare

Which kit do I need?

The six kits side by side. Full specifications, protocols and documents are on each kit's page.

Sircol 2.0

Measures

Soluble collagen

Assay range

2–200 µg/ml

Detection limit

2 µg/ml (0.25 µg/ml with the optional concentration protocol)

Format

96-well microplate

Sircol Insoluble

Measures

Insoluble collagen

Assay range

100–1000 µg/ml

Detection limit

100 µg/ml

Format

1.5ml Microtubes

Sircol Original

Measures

Soluble collagen (legacy)

Assay range

10–150 µg/ml

Detection limit

10 µg/ml

Format

1.5ml Microtubes

Blyscan™

Measures

sGAG

Assay range

2.5–50 µg/ml

Detection limit

2.5 µg/ml

Format

1.5ml Microtubes

Fastin™

Measures

Elastin

Assay range

50–500 µg/ml

Detection limit

50 µg/ml

Format

1.5ml Microtubes

Purple-Jelley

Measures

Hyaluronan

Assay range

10–100 µg/ml

Detection limit

10 µg/ml

Format

96-well microplate

Background

Find out more about the Extracellular Matrix (ECM)

Biocolor specialises in Extracellular Matrix analysis. Please use the headings below to learn more about this ever-evolving area of research.

What is the Extracellular Matrix (ECM)?

The ECM has been likened to a ‘glue’ that binds cells together in connective tissues. In practice it is rather more than that: it’s a complex, three-dimensional network of proteins and polysaccharides, built and maintained by the very cells it surrounds. Every tissue has its own version, the ECM of cartilage is quite different from that of skin, lung or bone, and it is this variation that gives each tissue its mechanical properties. The ECM is also dynamic – being continually deposited, remodelled and broken down throughout the life of an organism, with the balance shifting during growth, wound healing, ageing and disease.

What does the ECM do?

The ECM plays a key role in cellular processes such as cell proliferation, differentiation and migration. It is responsible for the physical and biochemical maintenanceof all cells within an organism and ultimately provides structure to tissues and biomechanical support to organisms.

What is the ECM composed of?

The Extracellular Matrix (ECM) is mainly composed of water, proteins, and polysaccharides. Its main structural proteins are fibrous in nature, with collagen and elastin being key examples. This fibrous network holds hydrogel-forming molecules such as glycosaminoglycans (for example, heparin & hyaluronic acid) and proteoglycans. A diverse range of other molecules are also present, including growth factors and matrix metalloproteases (MMPs).

Why analyse the ECM?

Analysing the Extracellular Matrix (ECM) helps researchers understand how organisms develop and age, as well as finding ways to treat diseases like cancer. Through advancements in bioengineering, it is hoped to be able to control ECM formation for repair of damaged tissues. Purified ECM components are becoming increasingly valuable in industries such as food production and cosmetics.

Next steps

Not sure which kit, or ready to order?

Tell us your sample type and what you want to measure, and we will point you to the right kit. Biocolor kits are sold through local distributors worldwide, and direct to customers within the UK and Ireland.

Talk to us

Our Belfast-based team answers technical and sales questions.

Where to buy

Find your local distributor, or order direct in the UK and Ireland.

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