Extracellular matrix hydrogel, such as Matrigel, is a specialized type of hydrogel used in cell culture and tissue engineering, derived from Engelbreth-Holm-Swarm tumor extracellular matrix and widely used in biological research and regenerative medicine. This hydrogel faithfully reproduces the natural microenvironment of cells and is rich in proteins such as collagen, laminin and entactin, making it an ideal substrate for 3D cell culture.

It is particularly useful for culturing cells that are difficult to grow in traditional two-dimensional culture systems, such as stem cells and cancer cells.

Matrigel is also used in a variety of research applications, including drug discovery and tissue engineering. It has been used to study the behavior of cancer cells in vitro and to test the efficacy of potential cancer therapies.

In addition, it has been used to generate organoids, which are three-dimensional structures that mimic the structure and function of the body's organs, providing cells with a more physiologically relevant environment than traditional two-dimensional culture systems.