StemBeads® Qkine BDNF DISC™ device£70.00
StemBeads® Qkine BDNF DISC™ device
£70.00
StemBeads® Qkine BDNF DISC™ devices are biocompatible and non-degradable hydrogels that contain BDNF StemBeads®. Combining StemBeads® Qkine BDNF, a patented growth factor supplement that offers a novel way to culture cells with native BDNF more efficiently, DISC devices are easy to add and remove, giving scientists enhanced control of growth factor levels in their stem cell and organoid cultures. BDNF is key for neural stem cell growth and differentiation. BDNF DISC™ devices have been tested in multiple neuronal base media, including Brain Phys, with enhanced cellular profiles. In these cases, BDNF DISC™ devices were used with and without GDNF DISC™ devices.
StemCultures StemBeads® revolutionary controlled-release protein technology combined with Qkine high purity and bioactivity animal origin-free growth factors and cytokines stabilizes growth factor levels for increased cell culture consistency and reproducibility.
More information and instructional video.
Shipping times may vary for this product, contact us for current lead times – ryan.weber@matriqx.com
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£70.00
1000 µg will be dispatched as 2 x 500 µg.
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Summary:
- High purity human BDNF protein (Uniprot: P23560)
Micro-encapsulated high purity protein
12 mini DISC™ devices per pack
StemBeads® technology for controlled-release
Lot-to-lot consistency in bioactivity
- Product supplied in liquid form
Featured applications:
Neural organoid growth and differentiation
Differentiation of iPSC derived neural progenitors to neurons
Differentiation of midbrain dopaminergic neurons
Neural differentiation from pluripotent stem cells
Alternative proteins
We are a company founded and run by scientists to provide a service and support innovation in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. All our products are exceptionally high purity, with complete characterisation and bioactivity analysis on every lot.
Protein background
BDNF DISC™ devices are patented inert, non-degradable, biocompatible hydrogels that release defined levels of native BDNF stably into culture medium over two weeks. BDNF DISC™ devices are loaded with StemBeads® Qkine BDNF, PLGA microbeads that encapsulate the protein. BDNF DISC™ devices are easy to add and remove, giving scientists enhanced control of growth factor levels in their cultures. Controlled delivery and stable levels overcome the 2 hour half-life of BDNF and improve cell cultures while saving researchers valuable time and resources.
BDNF DISC™ devices have been tested in multiple neuronal base media, including Brain Phys, with enhanced cellular profiles. In these cases, BDNF DISC™ devices were used with and without GDNF DISC™ devices.
We recommend a release of 5 ng/ml when culturing neuronal cells. However, to fit other needs, the release can be adjusted slightly based on the amount of medium and the number of DISCs that are added. See the table below for reference.
| Number of DISCs™
Per Well |
Volume of Medium Per Well | Sustained BDNF Release |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 ml | 5 ng/ml |
| 1 | 1 ml | 10 ng/ml |
| 1 | 0.5 ml | 20 ng/ml |
| 2 | 2 ml | 10 ng/ml |
| 3 | 2 ml | 15 ng/ml |
| 4 | 2 ml | 20 ng/ml |
DISC™ device technology allows you to use your favorite media and feed less often. One DISC™ can remain in the culture well/vessel for several media feeds (i.e., a pack of 12 DISC™ devices will last 4 weeks when culturing in a 6 well plate). When added into media, DISC™ devices are designed to release at a constant 5 ng/ml. As DISCs™ rehydrate, they will swell and become transparent. Embedded StemBeads® will be visible under a microscope. This technology gives scientists enhanced control over growth factor levels in their cultures to provide robust, high-quality cells.
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a member of neurotrophin family which includes nerve growth factor (NGF) and neurotrophin–3/4/5 (NT–3/4/5) [1,2]. BDNF plays a crucial role during embryonic development and the maintenance of the nervous system during adulthood. It mediates many aspects, including the survival, growth, maintenance, and differentiation of neural stem cells and mature neurons [3,4]. It stimulates neurogenesis and promotes the growth of dendrites and axons [5,6]. It is also involved in synaptic plasticity, forming and strengthening synapses in response to experience and learning [7]. Finally, it regulates the neuroprotection as it is involved in neural repair and recovery [8].
In cell culture, recombinant human BDNF supports the survival and growth of neurons and establishes and strengthens synapses. It is used in combination with other growth factors to maintain neurons and to differentiate human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neural progenitors into neurons [5]. It is used for the differentiation and maturation of dopaminergic neurons with glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), FGF-8a/FGF-8b, and Shh [9–11]. Glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons are maintained with combinations of BDNF, GDNF, NT-3, or insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) [12–14]. Cholinergic neurons are obtained using BDNF, IGF-1, and NGF [15,16]. Also, the culture of cortical organoids require BDNF and GDNF for maturation [17].
FAQ
Do I need to change the type of media I use if I am using StemCultures products?
No, all StemCultures products supplement your media of choice. Your media will not change, but your feeding schedule will be reduced.
What if I want to use a different concentration, can the protein release from BDNF DISC™ Devices be adjusted?
The protein concentration can be adjusted based on the number of DISC™ Devices added and the medium volume.
We recommend a release of 5 ng/ml when culturing neuronal cells. However, to fit other needs, the release can be adjusted slightly based on the amount of medium and the number of DISC™ Devices that are added. See the table below for reference.
| Number of DISCs™
Per Well |
Volume of Medium Per Well | Sustained BDNF Release |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 ml | 5 ng/ml |
| 1 | 1 ml | 10 ng/ml |
| 1 | 0.5 ml | 20 ng/ml |
| 2 | 2 ml | 10 ng/ml |
| 3 | 2 ml | 15 ng/ml |
| 4 | 2 ml | 20 ng/ml |
Will StemBeads® DISC™ Devices interfere with my downstream application of the cells?
Cells cultured with DISC™ have been used in a variety of downstream applications, including FACS, RNA/DNA extraction, nucleofection, differentiation, organoid generation, and others with no negative effects. If necessary for differentiation protocols, DISCs™ can be cleanly removed using a low powered vacuum tip.
What do I do if DISC™ Devices become hydrated in the packaging?
DISCs are hydrogels and readily absorb moisture, which can cause them to stick and become more difficult to handle. We recommend storing DISC™ Devices at 4 °C in a moisture free environment. If DISC™ Devices do absorb moisture, e.g. if they were left out on a humid day, they should be re-dried by placing the packaging with the lid ajar for 15-30 minutes in a cell culture hood with the blower on.
Do I have to change a DISC™ device every time I do a medium change?
No, leave the same DISC™ device in the well for about two weeks and perform medium changes without changing the DISC™ device. For tips and an instructional video on using and removing DISC™ devices, click this link: https://stemcultures.com/discs/
How often do I need to change the BDNF DISC™ device?
We recommend changing the BDNF DISC™ device every 10-14 days.
Are DISC™ devices difficult to add or remove from my cultures?
No, DISC™ devices can be easily added using sterile forceps and removed by using a low vacuum or pipette.
How big are DISC™ devices?
Standard size DISC™ devices are approximately 2-3 mm in diameter when dry, 5-6 mm in diameter when rehydrated.
What should I do if I see increased cell debris in my cultures?
When medium is changed less often, it should be expected that cell debris will accumulate and may appear at a higher level than when medium is changed daily. Users have not reported this as being detrimental.
Can I use a DISC™ device if I work with cell types prone to detaching from cell culture plates (e.g. mature neurons)?
For these types of cultures, we recommend adding the DISC™ device in a Transwell®. The DISC™ device will provide approximately the same sustained-release level throughout the Transwell® membrane. For example, for a culture of 1 ml, we recommend adding 750 μl of medium, then add 250 μl medium plus a DISC™ device into the Transwell®. The same DISC™ device plus Transwell® can be used for about 2 weeks.
Are DISC™ devices compatible with 3D organoids?
Yes, DISC™ hydrogels are inert and can be added to organoid cultures to supply growth factor for 2 weeks. This enables organoids to be grown efficiently.
Our products are for research use only and not for diagnostic or therapeutic use. Products are not for resale.
For use in manufacturing of cellular or gene therapy products. Not intended for in vivo applications.
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