3D Neural Spheroid Assay
Creative Biolabs is a renowned company at the forefront of scientific research, specializing in providing cutting-edge services in the field of neuroscience. One of our groundbreaking services is the 3D Neural Spheroid Assay, a powerful tool for studying neural development, function, and disease.
3D Neural Spheroid Culture and Characterization
To initiate the 3D neural spheroid culture, dissociated neural cells are combined with a supportive extracellular matrix, such as Matrigel, and seeded into specialized culture plates. The cells then aggregate and self-assemble into three-dimensional structures resembling neural tissue. These spheroids can contain a heterogeneous population of neurons, glial cells, and other relevant cell types, providing a more realistic model of the brain.
Figure 1 Establishment of the 3D spheroid model. (Roper, 2021)
The characterization of 3D neural spheroids is crucial for assessing their functionality and relevance as a model system. Various techniques can be employed to evaluate the spheroids, including:
- Immunocytochemistry
- Gene expression analysis
- Electrophysiological recordings
These characterization methods enable the examination of neural differentiation markers, synaptic connectivity, neuronal activity, and other functional aspects essential for studying the underlying mechanisms of neural development and diseases.
Figure 2: Brain spheroid characterization by IHC. (Sokolova, 2020)3D Neural Spheroid Assay
Our 3D Neural Spheroid Assay service encompasses a comprehensive workflow that enables the evaluation of various aspects of neural development and drug effects. The key steps involved in the assay are as follows:
Spheroid Formation and Treatment
Neural stem cells or iPSCs are cultured to form 3D neural spheroids. The spheroids are then treated with test compounds, such as drug candidates or neurotoxic agents, to examine their effects on neural development or neurodegenerative processes.
Functional and Phenotypic Analysis
Following the treatment, we perform a range of functional and phenotypic analyses to evaluate the impact of the test compounds. This may involve assessing neuronal viability, neurite outgrowth, synaptic activity, or the expression of specific biomarkers. These analyses provide quantitative and qualitative data on the effects of the compounds on the neural spheroids.
Data Analysis and Interpretation
The data obtained from the 3D Neural Spheroid Assay is analyzed using advanced bioinformatics tools and statistical methods to extract meaningful insights and draw scientific conclusions.
3D Neural Spheroid Assay Applications
- Drug Discovery and Development: assessing compound efficacy and safety.
- Neurological Disease Modeling: such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
- Neurotoxicity and Safety Assessment: evaluating the impact of substances on neural cell viability and function.
- Personalized Model Development: creating patient-specific spheroids to investigate disease mechanisms and test personalized treatments.
Creative Biolabs is committed to providing state-of-the-art services in the field of neuroscience, leveraging the power of the 3D Neural Spheroid Assay to drive scientific advancements. Please feel free to contact us for more about our 3D Neural Spheroid Assay services.
References
- Roper, Sophie J., et al. 3D spheroid models of paediatric SHH medulloblastoma mimic tumour biology, drug response and metastatic dissemination. Scientific Reports, 2021: 4259.
- Sokolova, Viktoriya, et al. Transport of ultrasmall gold nanoparticles (2 nm) across the blood–brain barrier in a six-cell brain spheroid model. Scientific Reports, 2020: 18033.
