Visikol In Vitro Services
3D Cell Culture Assay Services
The Visikol difference
Through the use of its Visikol HISTO technology and proprietary image analysis software, Visikol is the only CRO capable of offering true 3D analysis services wherein every cell within a 3D cell culture model can be characterized. Visikol is unique in its approach to 3D cell culture model analysis as it processes individual Z slices instead of extrapolating data from Z projections which allows for the entire population of cells to be characterized. With our expertise in tissue clearing, immunolabeling, automated high content microscopy, and computerized data processing, you get the most out of your screening campaigns.
Our Approach
Utilizing High Content Screening allows us to provide in vitro assay services which deliver richer datasets than traditional assays, since this approach allows for assessing multiple endpoints simultaneously at a cellular resolution. High Content Imaging allows for the interrogation and quantitation of cellular response of disease models to treatments, stimuli, or alterations in protein expression. The use of imaging-based endpoints allows for examination of the specific effect of compound treatments on specific sub-populations of cells, as well as providing access to more complex measurements (e.g. rearrangement of cytoskeleton) than can be accomplished with traditional assay formats. Combining these data with our in-house machine-learning and informatics expertise, we deliver comprehensive reports that distill the data to its essential components, giving you actionable insights about your experiment.
3D Cell Culture Model Assays
Visikol is the most advanced contract research organization offering 3D cell culture model assays through a combination of our expertise in 3D cell culture models and our suite of 3D imaging and machine learning tools. The average project turnaround is about 3 weeks, including generation of the model, dosing, labeling, clearing, imaging, and data analysis. We provide a comprehensive report summarizing findings as well as all raw data generated throughout the project.
Model Agnostic
At Visikol, we are flexible and have worked with dozens of 3D cell models, including spheroids generated from cell lines and primary cell, iPSC-derived organoids, and commercially available organoids and microtissues. Our team of experts will work with you to identify the best fit for your needs. We have access to the entire ATCC catalog of cell lines, and partner with several distributors of primary cells to acquire the right cells for your project. We have extensive experience in rapid development and validation of custom models for client projects where our in-house models do not suffice.
There are several ways we work with clients:
- We generate models in house using cell lines or primary cells at our disposal
- We acquire cells required by the Client to generate models. We generate model and validate functional endpoints prior to assay.
- Clients send us cells to generate 3D models with, and we perform treatments, labeling, clearing, and imaging in house.
- Clients send us treated models to label, clear, and image.
- Clients send us plates of commercially available models and we conduct assays
We’ll find a solution
We have developed a suite of validated assay endpoints for 3D cell culture models. Please explore the links below to see some of the assays we have developed that are frequently requested by our clients.
Don’t see the assay you are looking for? We also work closely with Clients to develop custom in vitro assays.
What the experts say
“Numerous studies have shown that cell responses to drugs in 3D culture are improved from those in 2D, with respect to modeling in vivo tissue functionality, which highlights the advantages of using 3D-based models for preclinical drug screens.”
– Nam et al. Journal of Laboratory Automation
“Culture methods used should mimic the most natural in vivo representative form possible. The most natural, tissue-mimicking method of cell growth for drug discovery applications is, arguably, 3D.”
Breslin & O’Driscoll, Drug Discovery Today
Better visibility means better data
The Visikol team is the first CRO with the ability to image and quantitatively analyze 3D cell cultures in their entirety. This approach has been applied to a wide range of research questions ranging from biologic drug development to DILI screening and allows you to get the most out of your campaigns. Reach out to us today to learn how our 3D cell culture assay services can help add a new dimension to your research.
Traditional In Vitro Cell Monolayer Assays
We also employ high content screening for in vitro assays of traditional adherent monolayer models. Almost every assay endpoint that we can accomplish with 3D cell models can also be conducted at higher throughput in a monolayer format. Using the same imaging-based approach, we can rapidly assess multiple endpoints in monolayer cell assays. Furthermore, for even higher throughput, we offer less sophisticated plate reader-based assays at a lower price point for screening larger libraries of compounds.
Can't Find The Assay You're Looking For?
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