Drug Discovery: 3D Cell Assay Services

Contract Services using Human 3D in vitro models

Human tissue in vivo exists in 3D form, and culturing these in 2D format results in loss of function. Responses of 3D tissues to drugs, chemicals and cosmetics have been demonstrated to more closely predict human in vivo responses.

3D tissue more closely mimic normal human tissue micro-anatomy.

3D tissues are more phenotypically accurate than conventional 2D plated culture of cells, e.g. maintenance of CYP450 activity in 3D in comparison with 2D culture.

Our highly characterized tissues allow you to interrogate mechanisms of action of your compound.

REPROCELL 3D Assays Expertise

For more than 15 years, REPROCELL’s Chief Scientific Officer and Durham University Professor of Cell Technology Stefan Przyborski and his team have harnessed our award-winning Alvetex™ 3D scaffold technology to develop assays for testing pharmaceutical compounds in 3D models of human tissue e.g. skin, liver and neuronal aggregates.

Example: Neurite Outgrowth Model in 3D

An Alvetex 3D assay for inhibition and recovery of Neurite Outgrowth, developed in partnership with the University of Durham, UK
Utilizing REPROCELL’s iPSC-derived StemRNA™ Neuro cells, available as healthy wild-type, Alzheimer Disease patient-derived (presinilin 2 mutation) and mutated (presinilin 1 mutated) to assess pathological changes in vitro
Explore Alvetex 3D assay versatility with physiological and pathological ECM coatings (laminin, CSPGs), known pathway inhibitors and therapeutic lead compounds

Above: StemRNA™ Neuro iPSC-derived human neurons. Two alternative Alzheimer disease-models are also available from REPROCELL.

Above: Recovery from neurite inhibitionTERA2.SP12 neurospheres transferred onto Alvetex Scaffold coated with four different ECM formulations: (1.) positive control (laminin only); (2.) inhibitor control (laminin + aggrecan coating); (3.) ROCK rescue (laminin + aggrecan + Y-27632); (4.) Retinoid rescue (laminin + aggrecan + AC261066). Data show mean number of neurites present on the bottom of the Alvetex membrane at the end of the culture, ±SEM, n=3 independent repeats.

Example: Liver Biology and Hepatotoxicity Model in 3D

With either Alvetex™ 3D well-inserts to improve Hepatocyte morphology, cell-cell contacts and protein expression or Alvetex 3D plate formats for high-throughput testing of hepatotoxic compounds and hepatic drug metabolism.
Utilize REPROCELL’s iPSC-derived ReproHepato™ cells and their dedicated high-performance medium:
- improved functionality over cancer-derived hepatocytes
- less variability than human primary hepatocytes

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Above: Representative morphology of ReproHepato™ cells after 6 days culture.

Above: (A.) Alvetex Scaffold 96-well plate Product. (B.) Scanning electron micrograph shows the highly porous architecture of Alvetex.

Example: Autologous Full-Thickness Skin Model in 3D: Skimune®3D

Alcyomics® has developed a full-thickness autologous skin equivalent model from healthy primary human tissue which is representative of normal human skin.

Screening platform for testing adverse immunological reactions to large proteins such as monoclonal antibodies, biosimilars and biobetters.
Identify toxicological endpoints such as cytotoxicity (dose response), cell viability, apoptosis, necrosis and the effects of compounds or drugs on cytokines, chemokines and growth factors.
Cost-effective commercialisation of products or drugs to the cosmetic, chemical and pharmaceutical industries.

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Above: Representative histological staining of a Skimune®3D Skin equivalent, clearly showing dermal compartment and differentiated epidermis with stratum corneum.