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Organoids are miniature, simplified organs that are generated in vitro as model systems to study human tissue development and disease, screen for drug toxicity, and evaluate personalized medicines. Organoids are derived from either embryonic stem cells (ESCs) or induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), which can self-renew, differentiate, and self-organize into multicellular, organ-like structures under specific culture conditions. These organ-like structures display similar architecture and functions as their tissues of origin and they are amenable to long-term passaging and manipulation. Organoid models have been developed for many different human tissues, including brain, intestine, kidney, liver, lung, and pancreas, among others.
Identifying the ideal conditions for optimal organoid growth can be difficult due to the following factors: 1) complexities in the protocols that have been developed; 2) the requirement for multiple culture components and specialized culture methods that differ based on the type of organoid being cultured; and 3) culture variabilities that may occur and make it challenging to establish robust, reproducible culture conditions. As a result, researchers frequently spend a considerable amount of time and experimentation trying to identify optimal conditions for organoid growth. Once appropriate conditions have been established, further work is needed to make sure that the conditions are reproducible so that the organoid system is consistent from one experiment to the next.
The formation of organoids is facilitated by protein-rich extracellular matrices that provide a scaffold for the cells to attach to and organize into 3-D structures, along with a defined combination of required growth factors and small molecules. These media components are essential to activate or inhibit specific signaling pathways that drive the differentiation required to generate and sustain specific organoid types. Therefore, it is essential that these growth factors display not only high levels of activity, but also provide consistent performance, so researchers can be confident that their results will be reproducible over time.
R&D Systems growth factors are rigorously tested to ensure that they will provide the highest levels of bioactivity and lot-to-lot consistency. Utilizing over 900 different bioassays, the biological activity of every protein we offer is tested in an appropriate bioassay to confirm that it meets our strict QC activity parameters. We also evaluate the lot-to-lot consistency of our proteins by testing each new lot side-by-side with previous lots and with a master lot, so researchers can be confident in the reproducibility of their results. With over 30 years of experience purifying and manufacturing proteins and a portfolio of more than 5000 proteins, R&D Systems history of quality has made us a highly trusted source of proteins for researchers worldwide. In addition to our standard research-grade proteins, we also offer Animal-Free RUO proteins and Animal-Free GMP-grade proteins to meet all your experimental needs. If the protein that you need isn’t listed on our website, please contact us. Whether you need a protein developed from scratch or customization of one of the proteins in our catalog, our Custom Protein Services team will work with you to develop the protein needed for your research.
Animal-Free Recombinant Proteins
Ensure a seamless transition from preclinical research into clinical manufacturing by starting your preclinical experiments with our Animal-Free RUO proteins. R&D Systems Animal-Free RUO proteins are produced in dedicated animal-free laboratories and are manufactured using the same systems as our Animal-Free GMP-Grade proteins.
- High Levels of Biological Activity: Utilizing over 900 different bioassays, the biological activity of every protein we offer is tested in an appropriate bioassay to confirm that it meets our strict QC activity parameters.
- Lot-to-Lot Consistency: Minimal lot-to-lot variability is ensured by testing each new lot side-by-side with previous lots and with a master lot, so you don’t have to worry whether results will be reproducible over time.
- High Purity and Low Endotoxin Levels: Our proteins are typically over 95% pure and have a guaranteed industry-leading endotoxin level of <0.1 EU/ug by the LAL method.
- Highly Cited: R&D Systems proteins commonly used for culturing organoids are highly cited in the scientific literature.
- Reliable Supply Chain: Our team has the experience and the capacity to ensure that we can provide you with a stable supply of the proteins you need for your research.
- Bulk Proteins at Discounted Prices: We have the capacity and the expertise to scale up the production of any protein and we offer economical pricing on bulk orders.
- Custom Protein Capabilities: For specialized protein requests, you can always contact our Custom Protein Services team. We have the expertise and the systems necessary to develop the proteins required to advance your research.
- Comprehensive Selection of Additional Reagents for Organoid Research: Along with our proteins, Bio-Techne also offers a range of other resources and products for researchers working with organoid systems, including Cultrex™ Basement Membrane Extracts, Tocris™ small molecules, media, media supplements, antibodies, and RNAscope™ ISH assays.
The Organoid Culture Handbook
This handbook highlights some of the notable publications that have used organoids to investigate questions about development, disease, or drug safety. It includes recipes and protocols for how to culture different types of organoids and links to the key reagents that are needed to ensure robust, reproducible organoid growth.
R&D Systems Recombinant Human Wnt-3a Protein is 1.7-fold More Active than a Leading Competitor’s Recombinant Human Wnt-3a and Displays High Lot-to-Lot Consistency. (A) The bioactivity of R&D Systems Recombinant Human Wnt-3a (Catalog # 5036-WN; orange line) or recombinant human Wnt-3a from another company (green line) was assessed by measuring the ability of the proteins to induce alkaline phosphatase production in the MC3T3-E1 mouse preosteoblast cell line. The ED50 for this effect for R&D Systems Recombinant Human Wnt-3a was 1.7-fold better than the leading competitor’s Wnt-3a protein, with more than twice the maximum response. (B) The lot-to-lot consistency of R&D Systems Recombinant Human Wnt-3a (Catalog # 5036-WN) was assessed by testing the ability of three independent lots of the protein to induce alkaline phosphatase production in the MC3T3-E1 mouse preosteoblast cell line. Each trace on the graph represents data obtained from Recombinant Human Wnt-3a from a different manufacturing run.
R&D Systems Recombinant Human Noggin Protein is 30-fold More Active than a Leading Competitor’s Recombinant Human Noggin and Displays High Lot-to-Lot Consistency. (A) The bioactivity of R&D Systems Recombinant Human Noggin (Catalog # 6057-NG; orange line) or recombinant human Noggin from another company (green line) was assessed by measuring the ability of the proteins to inhibit alkaline phosphatase production induced by 50 ng/mL Recombinant Human BMP-4 (R&D Systems, Catalog # 314-BP) in the ATDC5 mouse chondrogenic cell line. The ED50 for this effect for R&D Systems Recombinant Human Noggin was approximately 30-fold greater than the leading competitor’s Noggin protein. (B) The lot-to-lot consistency of R&D Systems Recombinant Human Noggin (Catalog # 6057-NG; orange, light blue, purple lines) was assessed by testing the ability of three independent lots of the protein to inhibit BMP-4-induced alkaline phosphatase production in the ATDC5 mouse chondrogenic cell line. Each trace on the graph represents data obtained from Recombinant Human Noggin from a different manufacturing run. The dark blue line on the graph is data showing the ability of Recombinant Human BMP-4 (R&D Systems, Catalog # 314-BP; 50 ng/mL) to induce alkaline phosphatase production in the ATDC5 mouse chondrogenic cell line.
R&D Systems Recombinant Human R-Spondin 1 Protein is 7-fold More Active than a Leading Competitor’s Recombinant Human R-Spondin 1 and Displays High Lot-to-Lot Consistency. (A) The bioactivity of R&D Systems Recombinant Human R-Spondin 1 (Catalog # 4645-RS; blue line) or recombinant human R-Spondin 1 from another company (purple line) was assessed using a TOPflash beta-Catenin/TCF reporter assay in the HEK293T human kidney cell line, in the presence of Recombinant Mouse Wnt-3a (R&D Systems, Catalog # 1324-WN; 5 ng/mL). The ED50 for this effect for R&D Systems Recombinant Human R-Spondin 1 was approximately 7-fold greater than the leading competitor’s R-Spondin 1 protein. (B) The lot-to-lot consistency of R&D Systems Recombinant Human R-Spondin 1 (Catalog # 4645-RS) was assessed by side-by-side testing of three independent lots of the protein using a TOPflash beta-Catenin/TCF reporter assay in the HEK293T human kidney cell line, in the presence of Recombinant Mouse Wnt-3a (R&D Systems, Catalog # 1324-WN; 5 ng/mL). Each trace on the graph represents data obtained from Recombinant Human R-Spondin 1 from a different manufacturing run.
Protein Characterization Using SEC-MALS Analysis
A. Recombinant Human R‑Spondin 3 Protein SEC-MALS. Recombinant human R-Spondin 3 (Catalog # 3500-RS) has a molecular weight (MW) of 36.1 kDa as analyzed by SEC-MALS, suggesting that this protein is a monomer. MW may differ from predicted MW due to post-translational modifications (PTMs) present (i.e. Glycosylation).
| SEC-MALS Data | Result |
| Retention Time | 12.6-13.1 min |
| MW-Predicted (Monomer) | 28.3 kDa |
| MW-MALS | 36.1 kDa |
| Polydispersity | 1.004 |
| System Suitability: BSA Monomer 66.4 ± 3.32 kDa | Pass |
B. Recombinant Human Noggin Protein SEC-MALS. Recombinant human Noggin (Catalog # 6057-NG) has a molecular weight (MW) of 58.9 kDa as analyzed by SEC-MALS, suggesting that this protein is a homodimer. MW may differ from predicted MW due to post-translational modifications (PTMs) present (i.e. Glycosylation).
| SEC-MALS Data | Result |
| Retention Time | 12.6-13.2 min |
| MW-Predicted (Monomer) | 23.0 kDa |
| MW-MALS | 58.9 kDa |
| Polydispersity | 1.002 |
| System Suitability: BSA Monomer 66.4 ± 3.32 kDa | Pass |
C. Recombinant Human FGF basic/FGF2/bFGF (145 aa), Tissue Culture Grade Protein SEC-MALS. Recombinant human FGF basic/FGF2/bFGF, 145 aa TC Grade (Catalog # 4114-TC) has a molecular weight (MW) of 17.2 kDa as analyzed by SEC-MALS, suggesting that this protein is a monomer. MW may differ from predicted MW due to post-translational modifications (PTMs) present (i.e. Glycosylation).
| SEC-MALS Data | Result |
| Retention Time | 16.0-16.6 min |
| MW-Predicted (Monomer) | 16.0 kDa |
| MW-MALS | 17.2 kDa |
| Polydispersity | 1.001 |
| System Suitability: BSA Monomer 66.4 ± 3.32 kDa | Pass |
SEC-MALS for Protein Characterization
Discover how Bio-Techne prioritizes your success with cutting-edge techniques like SEC-MALS for protein characterization. Utilizing SEC-MALS analysis, Bio-Techne delivers you rigorous, consistent, and quality recombinant proteins.
Culture and Characterization of iPSC-derived Human Intestinal Organoids. iPSC-derived human intestinal organoids were embedded in Cultrex™ UltiMatrix RGF Basement Membrane Extract (R&D Systems, Catalog # BME001-05) and cultured in intestinal organoid culture medium, which includes Recombinant Human Wnt-3a (R&D Systems, Catalog # 5036-WN), Recombinant Human Noggin (R&D Systems, Catalog # 6057-NG), Recombinant Human R-Spondin 1 (R&D Systems, Catalog # 4645-RS), and Recombinant Human EGF (R&D Systems, Catalog # 236-EG), along with the other reagents listed in the intestinal organoid culture medium recipe in the human intestinal organoid culture protocol. (A) Human intestinal organoids were stained using a Rat Anti-Human/Mouse/Rat Vimentin Monoclonal Antibody (R&D Systems, Catalog # MAB2105; green) and a Goat Anti-Human/Mouse Desmin Antigen Affinity-purified Polyclonal Antibody (R&D Systems, Catalog # AF3844; red) to visualize myofibroblast cells and counterstained with DAPI (Tocris Bioscience, Catalog # 5748; blue). (B) Human intestinal organoids were stained using a Goat Anti-Human/Mouse E-Cadherin Antigen Affinity-purified Polyclonal Antibody (R&D Systems, Catalog # AF748; green) and a Mouse Anti-Human MUC2 Monoclonal Antibody (Novus Biologicals, Catalog # NBP2-44431; red) and counterstained with DAPI (Tocris Bioscience, Catalog # 5748; blue).
Culture and Characterization of Adult Stem Cell-derived Human Lung Organoids
Culture and Characterization of Adult Stem Cell-derived Human Lung Organoids. Adult stem cells isolated from human lung biopsy tissue were embedded in Cultrex UltiMatrix RGF Basement Membrane Extract (R&D Systems, Catalog # BME001-05) and cultured for 20-60 days in lung organoid expansion medium, which includes Recombinant Human R-Spondin 1 (R&D Systems, Catalog # 4645-RS), Recombinant Human Noggin (R&D Systems, Catalog # 6057-NG), Recombinant Human FGF-7 (R&D Systems, Catalog # 251-KG), and Recombinant Human FGF-10 (R&D Systems, Catalog # 345-FG), along with the other reagents listed in the lung organoid expansion medium recipe in the human lung organoid culture protocol. Lung organoids were able to differentiate and exhibit markers for various cell types of the lung. Lung organoids were stained with (A) a Rabbit Anti-Human Cytokeratin 5 (KRT5) Monoclonal Antibody (Novus Biologicals, Catalog NB110-56916; green) and a Goat Anti-Human p63/TP73L Polyclonal Antibody (R&D Systems, Catalog # AF1916; red) to visualize basal cells, (B) a Hamster Anti-Mouse Podoplanin (PDPN) Monoclonal Antibody (Novus Biologicals, Catalog # NB600-1015; green) to visualize alveolar type I cells and a Goat Anti-Human p63/TP73L Polyclonal Antibody (R&D Systems, Catalog # AF1916; red) to visualize basal cells, and (C, D) a Mouse Anti-MUC5AC Monoclonal Antibody (Novus Biologicals, Catalog # NBP2-15196; green) to visualize Goblet cells and a Mouse Anti-Human/Mouse/Rat SOX2 Monoclonal Antibody (R&D Systems, Catalog # MAB2018; red). All samples were counterstained with DAPI (Tocris Bioscience, Catalog # 5748; blue).
Organoids Wall Poster
Request this poster to decorate your lab with some of the visually stunning organoid images that have been generated by 3-D cell culture specialists at Bio-Techne.
Additional Organoid-Related Products
Organoid and 3-D Cell Culture Products
Organoid and 3-D Cell Culture Products
Optimize your organoid culture conditions by using our complete range of products designed to support robust, reproducible organoid expansion. Along with R&D Systems proteins, we provide Cultrex basement membrane extracts, Tocris™ small molecules, media, media supplements, and antibodies and RNAscope™ in situ hybridization assays for identifying lineage-specific markers.
Stem Cell Research Products
Stem Cell Research Products
Minimize variability in your stem cell experiments and ensure high performance by using our stem cell culture reagents. From isolation and culture to verification, reprogramming, differentiation, and characterization, we have the products that you need for your stem cell research.
Cultrex Basement Membrane Extracts
Cultrex Basement Membrane Extracts
Browse our wide selection of Cultrex Basement Membrane Extracts and purified extracellular matrix proteins. We offer multiple different formats of Cultrex BME to meet your application-specific needs. Our newest BME, Cultrex UltiMatrix RGF BME, has been optimized to specifically improve the performance and consistency or your spheroid, organoid, and stem cell cultures.
ExCellerate iPSC Expansion Medium
ExCellerate iPSC Expansion Medium
ExCellerate iPSC Expansion Media supports the robust expansion and maintenance of pluripotent stem cells for enhanced culture consistency and reproducibility. This media is animal component-free, requires no growth factor supplementation, and maintains stable cell integrity over long-term culture.
Small Molecules for Organoid Culture
Small Molecules for Organoid Culture
Safeguard your research with our bioactive small molecules, which are chemically-defined, easy-to-use and have low lot-to-lot variability. Browse our small molecules for use in organoid culture.
CEPT Cocktail for Improved Cell Survival
CEPT Cocktail for Improved Cell Survival
Improve cell survival during organoid generation with our small molecule CEPT cocktail. Comprised of Chroman 1, Emricasan, Lyophilized Polyamine Supplement and trans-ISRIB, the CEPT cocktail enhances the viability of stem cells during passaging, single cell cloning, gene editing, cryopreservation, and differentiation and can be used in the manufacture of organoids for use in disease modeling or drug screening.
White Paper: Organ-on-a-Chip Technology: Progress, Challenges, and an Exciting Future
Read this white paper to learn about some of the impressive developments made in organ-on-a-chip technology, and how biotechnology innovators and academic researchers can collaborate to overcome barriers and propel the field forward.
