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Microwell culture plates for easy and reproducible production of embryoid bodies and spheroids
Overview
Protocols and Documentation
Find supporting information and directions for use in the Product Information Sheet or explore additional protocols below.
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Resources and Publications
Educational Materials (20)
Publications (55)
Modeling neurovascular dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease using an isogenic brain-chip model
Fluids and Barriers of the CNS 2026 Jan
Abstract
Background: The pathology of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is characterized by aggregates of amyloid beta (Aβ) peptides and neurofibrillary tau tangles. Increased blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability and reduced Aβ clearance, which signal neurovascular dysfunction, have also been proposed as early markers of AD. Despite intense scrutiny, the mechanisms of AD remain elusive and novel treatments that address core symptoms of dementia are limited. New alternative methods (NAMs) aim to develop in-vitro translational models that recapitulate human pathology more accurately than previous models and could contribute to the development of new therapies. Methods: Here, we developed a NAM model of the cortical neurovascular unit (NVU) using brain cells derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) from a patient with AD and a healthy individual. Differentiated neurons, astrocytes, pericytes, microglia, and brain-like microvascular endothelial cells were cultured in a microphysiological system to create a brain-chip model to evaluate NVU-related endpoints. Results: Compared to control, AD brain-chips had reduced claudin-5 and ZO-1 expression and increased paracellular permeability. AD brain-chips also had decreased activity of the efflux transporter P-glycoprotein (P-gp), but its expression was unchanged. In AD brain-chips, levels of Aβ42, total tau, and p-tau 181 were decreased in protein lysates from the brain channel, while levels of total tau and p-tau 181 were increased in protein lysates from the vascular channel. Finally, AD brain-chips had increased levels of the proinflammatory markers IL-6 and MCP-1 in effluent from both brain and vascular channels. Conclusion: In this brain-chip model, we showed Aβ-independent NVU dysfunction that was related to neuroinflammation and vascular tau accumulation. This study demonstrates the utility of the brain-chip model to evaluate changes in NVU functions induced by AD-like pathology and highlights donor-specific responses associated with the use of hiPSC-derived models.
Reconstitution of the cellular niche requirements for primordial germ cell-like cell progression in humans
Stem Cell Reports 2026 Feb
Abstract
Human primordial germ cell-like cells (hPGCLCs) can be specified from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), offering a valuable model for human germ cell development. However, further maturation steps of hPGCLCs rely on mouse feeders, or co-culture with mouse gonadal somatic cells. Exposure of hPGCLCs to human cellular niche has not been attempted. Here, we co-cultured female hPGCLCs in two distinct niche compartments. In reconstituted fetal ovary (rOv) culture, human fetal germ cells proliferated and initiated meiosis, while hPGCLCs upregulated gonadal germ cell markers such as DDX4. Additionally, hPGCLCs were supported and matured into migratory hPGCLCs in 3D co-culture with amnion-like cells (AMLCs). Compared to rOv, hPGCLCs in PGCLC/AMLC aggregates were less prone to dedifferentiate. In both niches, stem cell factor (SCF) was crucial for the survival of hPGCLCs. Together, this work underscores that a shift in niche is required for the further germ cell development of hPGCLCs. Graphical abstract Highlights•Reconstituted human fetal ovaries (rOvs) support meiosis entry of fetal germ cells•The rOvs support hPGCLCs to upregulate gonadal germ cell markers•hPGCLCs show less dedifferentiation in amnion-like cell aggregates compared to rOvs•SCF is not required for survival of fetal germ cells, but crucial for hPGCLCs Chuva de Sousa Lopes and colleagues used in vitro reconstituted human fetal ovaries (rOvs) as cellular niche to mature human primordial germ cell-like cells (hPGCLCs). hPGCLCs in rOvs matured but were prone to dedifferentiate. By contrast, hPGCLCs cultured with amnion-like cells were maintained without dedifferentiation and acquired migratory fate. In both systems, SCF was crucial for the survival of hPGCLCs.
An Open-Source Automated Pipeline for Quantitative Morphological Analysis of 3D-Bioprinted Cancer Cell Spheroids
Methods and Protocols 2026 Feb
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) culture systems that recapitulate the tumor microenvironment are essential for studying cancer cell behavior, drug response, and cell–matrix interactions. Here, we present a detailed protocol for generating 3D spheroid cultures from murine breast cancer cells using methacrylated gelatin (GelMA)-based bioink and a CELLINK BioX bioprinter. This method enables precise deposition of spheroid-laden GelMA droplets into low-attachment plates, facilitating high-throughput and reproducible 3D culture formation. The protocol includes steps for spheroid formation, GelMA preparation, bioprinting, and post-printing analysis using a customized CellProfiler pipeline. The analysis pipeline takes advantage of the functionality of CellProfiler and ImageJ software (version 2.14.0) packages to create a versatile and accessible analysis tool. This approach provides a robust and adaptable platform for in vitro cancer research, including studies of metastasis, drug resistance, cancer cell lipid metabolism, and TME-associated hypoxia.
Quality Statement:
PRODUCTS ARE FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY AND NOT INTENDED FOR HUMAN OR ANIMAL DIAGNOSTIC OR THERAPEUTIC USES UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON QUALITY AT º£½ÇÆÆ½â°æ, REFER TO WWW.º£½ÇÆÆ½â°æ.COM/COMPLIANCE.
PRODUCTS ARE FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY AND NOT INTENDED FOR HUMAN OR ANIMAL DIAGNOSTIC OR THERAPEUTIC USES UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON QUALITY AT º£½ÇÆÆ½â°æ, REFER TO WWW.º£½ÇÆÆ½â°æ.COM/COMPLIANCE.