Scientists are using human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) more than ever. XonaChips® and our Silicone (PDMS) Devices provide important platforms for studying hiPSC-derived neurons because they allow unprecedented access to neurons and their subcellular compartments. BrainXell is a company that has specific expertise in generating neural cells from hiPSCs. Here at Xona, we decided to test the growth of BrainXell‘s commercially available hiPSC-neurons.
We used BrainXell‘s eGFP-expressing cortical glutamatergic neurons (BX-0301-30). These neurons contain approximately 90% glutamatergic neurons and 10% GABAergic neurons according to BrainXell. The protocol was straightforward and they provided supplements for the media. The cell viability and density were high, and extensive axonal growth was observed at 7 days in vitro (see image above). We grew neurons in both XonaChips® and Silicone Devices for 35 days before fixing them for another experiment (data not shown).
Xona Microfluidics’ compartmentalized devices are established platforms for organ-on-a-chip and microphysiological system (MPS) applications. Primary or hiPSC-derived neurons can be compartmentalized in 2D or 3D within XonaChips. Recent publications have used these microfluidic chambers for measuring transport of mitochondria in axons, examining the mechanisms of axon injury and regeneration, and as models for neurodegenerative diseases. Learn about the differences between XonaChips® and Silicone (PDMS) Devices.
BrainXell is a company that focuses only on producing neurons and glia. Their directed differentiation protocols drive stem cells through cell fate determination stages observed during embryonic development. They offer multiple types of iPSC-derived human neurons, including spinal motor, cortical GABAergic, mixed cortical, and medium spiny GABAergic neurons. BrainXell also sells human microglia and astrocytes.
ABOUT XONA
Xona Microfluidics is a US-based company that makes compartmentalized microfluidic chambers for culturing neurons and creating co-culture and innervation models in vitro. Xona’s technology is also used to model multi-cellular environments for organ-on-a-chip or microphysiological system applications. Xona provides contract research services in addition to product sales, using our microfluidic platforms to develop scalable neuron-based assays. Our patented compartmentalized chip technology directs the growth of axons from a somatodendritic compartment to an isolated axonal compartment allowing distinct microenvironments within each compartment to be established. Xona sells compartmentalized microfluidic chambers in two formats: Preassembled XonaChips® and original Silicone (PDMS) Devices. Over 1,000 publications cite our compartmentalized microfluidic devices and chips. Many of these publications can be found on our publications page.
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To learn more about products and research services provided by Xona, please contact us at info@xona.us.
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