3D and Ex Vivo Model-based Assays

• Our 3D model systems incorporating human cancer cell lines, fibroblasts and immune cells within a spheroid address the limitations of cells cultured in 2D
• Our ex vivo tissue-based assays offer a powerful translational link between in vitro and in vivo studies in a variety of therapeutic areas
• Our expert team works with you to develop the most suitable assays and readouts to rapidly progress your project

3D and ex vivo models come in diverse forms, including spheroids, organoids, 3D-printed systems, tumoroids, precision-cut organ slices, and organ-on-a-chip technologies. Each type offers unique benefits and applications, with notable differences among them. While it’s true that no in vitro 3D disease model is perfect yet, careful evaluation of the existing models - despite their limitations - can uncover the ideal match to meet the specific requirements of individual projects.  We have developed human cell-based 3D spheroid models for oncology and immuno-oncology applications, as well as a mouse organotypic brain slice model for neuroscience research.

Human cell-based 3D spheroid assays 

‍Traditional compound efficacy assays typically use cells cultured in 2D on a flat surface, where all cells behave similarly and receive uniform exposure. While this approach is widely used, it lacks translational relevance since cells naturally grow in 3D structures, leading to functional diversity and uneven exposure due to factors such as nutrient and oxygen gradients. Some cell lines can form 3D structures in vitro under specific conditions, resulting in varying growth rates and exposure levels depending on their location within the structure. 

To address these limitations, we have developed a 3D model system incorporating various cancer cell lines, fibroblasts, and human immune cells within a spheroid. This model enables us to assess the effects of compounds on both cancer cell proliferation and immune cell-mediated tumor cell death. Our 3D models are ideal for testing cytotoxic compounds that directly target cancer cells as well as immunomodulatory compounds that enhance immune responses. 

Our models are compatible with a wide range of read-outs, including cytotoxicity assessment with CellTiter Glo®, real-time spheroid growth monitoring via the IncuCyte live cell imaging system, confocal imaging for cellular infiltration and marker analysis, and cytokine quantification. The key advantage of our models is their full customizability to meet the unique needs of your project.

Ex vivo tissue-based assays 

Organotypic brain slices 

‍Organotypic brain slice cultures contain and maintain all the relevant neuronal and glial cells, structure, and organization of the brain in thick sections of cultured ex vivo tissue. This versatile 3D model offers a powerful translational link between in vitro and in vivo CNS studies in a variety of disease indications.  The key features of organotypic brain slices are: 

• Preserved brain cell populations and cell ratios 
• Preserved microarchitecture 
• Preserved neuronal networks 
• Recapitulation of in vivo brain processes, which can be modulated by drugs 
• Controllable environment 
• Possibility to isolate specific brain regions (e.g. cortex, hippocampus) 

Exemplary applications of organotypic brain slices include: 

• Neuroinflammatory activation  
• Inflammasome activation  
• Neurotoxicity 
• Neuroprotection  
• Developmental myelination

We tailor the assay readouts to suit you. These can include immunohistochemistry-based analysis or gene expression studies using qPCR, RNAseq, RNAscope. This biological system is ideally suited for a low-throughput validation of your test compound in a complex multicellular CNS model.