Organoids

Organoids are three-dimensional (3D) self-organizing structures derived from stem cells or tissue progenitors that recapitulate key aspects of organ architecture and function. Our portfolio includes organoids from various tissues, enabling disease modeling, drug testing, and regenerative medicine research. 3D organoids are cultured in extracellular matrix scaffolds (Matrigel, collagen, basement membrane extracts) and require specialized organoid media. Brain organoids model human brain development and neurological disorders; they contain multiple brain regions (cortex, midbrain, hippocampus) and can be used for Zika virus, microcephaly, and glioblastoma research. Intestinal organoids (enteroids) contain all intestinal epithelial cell types (enterocytes, goblet cells, Paneth cells, enteroendocrine cells) and are used for microbiome, nutrient absorption, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) studies. Gastric organoids model stomach epithelium, including gastric glands (parietal, chief, mucous cells); they are used for H. pylori infection and gastric cancer research. Liver organoids (hepatocyte organoids) can include biliary ducts and support metabolic studies, including drug-induced liver injury and hepatitis. Pancreatic organoids (pancreatoids) model exocrine and endocrine pancreas; useful for pancreatitis, diabetes, and pancreatic cancer research. Kidney organoids contain nephron-like structures (glomeruli, proximal tubules, distal tubules) and are used for nephrotoxicity screening and polycystic kidney disease. Lung organoids (pulmonary organoids) model airway and alveolar regions; they are used for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), COVID-19, and cystic fibrosis research. Retinal organoids differentiate into laminated neural retina with photoreceptors (rods, cones), bipolar cells, and ganglion cells; they are used for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and retinitis pigmentosa. Tumor organoids (cancer organoids, patient-derived organoids) preserve tumor heterogeneity and are used for personalized medicine, drug sensitivity testing, and immunotherapy research.3D spheroids are formed in ultra-low attachment plates, hanging drops, or spinner flasks. Organoid culture requires specific media with growth factors (e.g., R-spondin, Noggin, EGF, FGF, Wnt, BMP inhibitors, TGF-β inhibitors). Organoid differentiation protocols generate mature cell types (e.g., insulin-producing β-cells, surfactant-producing alveolar cells). Organoid medium formulations are proprietary for each tissue, often containing B27, N2, N-acetylcysteine, nicotinamide, and A83-01. Organoid generation involves embedding stem cells (adult stem cells, iPSCs, ESCs) in ECM and providing appropriate signals. Organoid screening platforms enable high-throughput drug testing on 3D structures, with readouts including viability, size, and gene expression.

Researchers use organoids to bridge the gap between 2D culture and animal models. Brain organoids reveal neurodevelopmental processes (e.g., cortical folding, neuronal migration). Intestinal organoids are used for cystic fibrosis drug testing (forskolin-induced swelling assay). Tumor organoids predict patient responses to chemotherapy and targeted therapy. Spheroids are simpler but valuable for drug penetration studies (e.g., measuring IC50 shifts). Our organoids category provides ready-to-use organoids, with quality control by histology and marker expression.