An organoid is a miniaturized version of an organ that can be generated in vitro under specific culture conditions from primary tissue, embryonic stem cells (ESCs), or induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Organoids have similar cellular composition and architecture as their tissues of origin and exhibit functional similarities. They are typically composed of multiple different cell types, which are properly arranged with respect to both each other and the extracellular matrix. Organoids are not only capable of self-organization, they are also capable of self-renewal, and are amenable to long-term cultivation and manipulation. Researchers have developed organoid systems for many different human tissues, including intestine, stomach, colon, liver, lung, heart, pancreas, kidney, prostate, inner ear, brain, and heart, among others. These 3-D in vitro model systems have opened new avenues for investigating organ development, studying physiology and disease, screening drugs, and exploring personalized medicine. Bio-Techne offers a wide range of products aimed at promoting robust, reproducible organoid growth. From basement membrane extracts to growth factors and small molecules, we have the reagents that you need for establishing optimal organoid culture conditions, with minimal variability from one experiment to the next.
Cultrex Basement Membrane Extracts
Cultrex Basement Membrane Extracts
• Different formats of organoid-qualified Cultrex Basement Membrane Extracts are available to promote robust cell growth, viability, and culture consistency
• Our latest, most advanced Cultrex UltiMatrix RGF Basement Membrane Extract has been optimized to improve the performance and consistency of spheroid, organoid, and stem cell cultures
• Reduced growth factor formulations provide more defined culture systems
• Quality controlled for lot-to-lot performance consistency
Recombinant Proteins for Organoid Culture
Recombinant Proteins for Organoid Culture
• We offer a complete catalog of R&D Systems™ proteins commonly used for organoid culture, including proteins that are difficult to express and purify such as R-Spondin-1, Noggin, and Wnt-3a
• All of our recombinant proteins are rigorously tested to ensure high levels of bioactivity and lot-to-lot consistency, and low endotoxin levels
• R&D Systems proteins are highly cited in organoid-related scientific publications
• From basic research to preclinical and clinical applications, we offer research-grade, Animal-free RUO, and Animal-free GMP-grade cytokines to meet every researcher's need
• Our recombinant proteins can be ordered in bulk at discounted prices and custom protein services are also available
Small Molecules for Organoids
Small Molecules for Organoids
• A large selection of Tocris™ small molecules that are commonly used as 3-D growth matrix components and additives for long-term organoid growth are available
• Our catalog includes the ALK kinase inhibitor, A 83-01, the highly selective GSK-3 inhibitor CHIR 99021, the potent ROCK inhibitor, Y-27632 dihydrochloride, the p38 MAPK inhibitor, SB 202190, and many more
Media and Media Supplements
Media and Media Supplements
• We offer a variety of different formats of base media for organoid cultures, including media with or without glucose, L-glutamine, HEPES, NEAA, nucleosides, phenol red, or sodium pyruvate content
• We develop and manufacture serum-free media supplements to support organoid cultures
• Our catalog includes cryopreservation media, which is optimized to increase cell recovery and viability
• Our New ExCellerate GMP iPSC Expansion Medium is completely animal-free and does not require the addition of growth factors
Antibodies for Detecting Lineage-Specific Markers
Antibodies for Detecting Lineage-Specific Markers
• Our catalog includes over 425,000 R&D Systems™ and Novus Biologicals™ antibodies for more than 25 species
• We offer both unlabeled and labeled primary antibodies with 20 different potential fluorescent conjugates
• Our primary antibodies are validated for one or more of up to 15 applications
• We offer both conjugated and unconjugated secondary antibodies and a range of isotype control antibodies
• Our antibodies come in a variety of size options, including bulk and sample sizes to ensure that you can find what you need for your research
RNAscope In Situ Hybridization Assays
RNAscope In Situ Hybridization Assays
• Utilize this technology to spatially map and quantify specific target mRNAs in intact cells and tissues
• The assay can be combined with immunohistochemistry or immunofluorescence on the same slide to investigate mRNA and protein co-expression
• Up to 12 RNA targets can be detected simultaneously using the RNAscope HiPlex assay
• Catalog probes are available for over 23,000 targets in 140+ species and can also be made-to-order
• RNAscope ISH Assays are cited in over 2,600 publications across multiple different research areas
Video of Human Intestinal Organoid Grown in Cultrex UltiMatrix RGF BME
MUC2 (magenta) expression in human intestinal organoid grown using Cultrex UltiMatrix RGF Basement Membrane Extract (R&D Systems, Catalog # BME001-05). Images courtesy of LifeCanvas Technologies.
Human Lung Organoids Grown in Cultrex UltiMatrix RGF Basement Membrane Extract. 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 in media for 20-60 days. Lung organoids were able to differentiate and exhibit markers for various cell types of the lung. A) Lung organoids were stained with anti-Cytokeratin 5 (KRT5) (green; Novus Biologicals, Catalog # NB110-56916) and with anti-p63/TP73L (red; R&D Systems, Catalog # AF1916) to visualize basal cells. B) Lung organoids were stained with anti-Podoplanin (PDPN) (green; Novus Biologicals, Catalog # NB600-1015) to visualize alveolar type I cells. C, D) Lung organoids were stained with anti-Muc5ac (green; Novus Biologicals, Catalog # NBP2-15196) to visualize Goblet cells and with anti-Sox2 (red; R&D Systems, Catalog # MAB2018). All samples were counterstained with the nuclear stain DAPI (blue; Tocris, catalog # 5748).
Human Descending Colon Organoids. Adult stem cells isolated from human descending colon were embedded in Cultrex UltiMatrix RGF Basement Membrane Extract (R&D Systems, Catalog # BME001-05) and cultured in growth medium for 30 days prior to imaging. A, B) Descending colon organoids were stained with Chromogranin A (green; R&D Systems, Catalog # MAB90981) to visualize intestinal enteroendocrine cells, and counterstained for E-Cadherin (red; R&D Systems, Catalog # AF748) and DAPI (blue; R&D Systems, Catalog # 5748).
Cultrex UltiMatrix Supports the Culture of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (hiPSCs). iBJ6 hiPSCs were cultured on plates coated with Cultrex UltiMatrix RGF Basement Membrane Extract (R&D Systems, Catalog # BME001-05) diluted 1:100 (100 ug/mL) using DMEM. hiPSC colonies were immunofluorescently stained using F-show the typical F-actin stress fibers (green) that define hiPSC colony edges as well as nuclear expression of the pluripotency marker OCT3 (red).
Serum-Free and Animal-Free Cell Culture
Increase the consistency of your cell cultures as you approach translational studies for regenerative medicine and cell therapy programs. Adopting these media will
- Reduce variability in media composition
- Simplify compliance with regulatory guidelines
- Simplify comparability testing for raw material changes
Additional Organoid Resources
Organoid Culture Protocols
Organoid Culture Protocols
To assist researchers, R&D Systems cell culture scientists are working every day to optimize the culture conditions for growing different types of organoids. As we see success, the recipes and protocols are being published on the Organoid and 3-D Cell Culture Protocols page of our website.
Virtual Organoid Symposium
Virtual Organoid Symposium
Watch Bio-Techne’s Virtual Organoid Symposium from May 2020 to learn more about how leading scientists are utilizing organoids in their research. Presenters include Mr. Jens Puschof and Dr. Talya Dayton from Dr. Hans Clevers lab at the Hubrecht Institute in the Netherlands, and Dr. Robert Barrett from Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, CA.
Evolution of Cell Culture Model Systems eBook
Evolution of Cell Culture Model Systems eBook
Download this eBook to learn about the history, current state, and future use of cell-based 2-D and 3-D model systems for studying disease conditions and drug screening. Key topics addressed are the use of cell lines and primary cells for toxicology, pluripotent stem cells models, 2-D vs. 3-D cell culture, the benefits and challenges of organoid models, and toxicology assays.
UltiMatrix Scientific Poster
UltiMatrix Scientific Poster
Explore the data presented in this scientific poster to learn about the features of Cultrex UltiMatrix RGF Basement Membrane Extract that make it an ideal matrix for organoid cultures. This piece includes competitor comparison data showing that UltiMatrix Basement Membrane Extract has more consistent protein concentrations and gelling rates across lots than the leading commercial basement membrane extract.
Cell Culture Products
Cell Culture Products
Browse our collection of products for cell culture. We offer a comprehensive range of reagents to promote robust cell growth, including media and supplements, FBS, basement membrane extracts, recombinant proteins, and custom cell culture services.
Stem Cell Research
Stem Cell Research
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 products that you need for your stem cell work.
Gene Engineering Services
Realize the potential of gene engineering by partnering with our experts. Engineer any cell type including T cells, NK cells, and iPSC with our non-viral TcBuster™ gene delivery system.
- TcBuster shortens the timeline and cost for engineering your cells.
- TcBuster delivers larger cargo sizes compared to virus-based methods.