Organoids are three-dimensional (3D) multicellular in vitro tissue cultures that mimic the architecture, microenvironment, and functions of organs or tissues. Organoids can be derived from primary tissues, embryonic stem cells (ESCs), or induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). With specific culture conditions, these cells are driven to form 3D structures and organized into organ-like tissues. Organoid technology has been increasingly used as in vitro model for human organ development studies, disease modelling, and drug screening.

Organoids have been developed for various organs, including the brain, liver, kidney, lung, pancreas, and gut, among others. As the conditions for culturing different organoids are different, the reagents and protocols needed for their generation have to be tested and optimized. Once an optimal culture condition is established, it is important to ensure that the organoids can be reproducibly cultured from experiment to experiment.

Growth factors are an essential component for the generation of optimal and consistent organoids. These growth factors direct the differentiation of the stem cells to generate and sustain specific organoid types. Different types of organoids require different sets of growth factors to properly develop. For example, to develop brain organoids, a combination of growth factors, including FGF2, EGF, and Noggin, is typically used. These factors help to promote the differentiation of the stem cells into neural precursor cells, which then form into different types of neurons and supporting cells that make up the brain tissue. Similarly, to develop liver organoids, growth factors such as HGF and EGF are used, which promote the differentiation of stem cells into hepatocytes, the main functional cells of the liver. Therefore, the specific combination of growth factors required for organoid development depends on the type of organ being modelled and the specific cell types that make up that organ.

In order to achieve consistent and reliable organoids, Croyez has created an array of growth factors with excellent bioactivity, batch-to-batch consistency, and purity. At Croyez, the recombinant proteins are gone through rigorous in-house testing and quality specifications, such as the endotoxin specification, which is an industry-leading <0.1 EU/µg. Check out the list of available growth factors required for specific organoid types.

Overall, culturing of organoids requires careful optimization of the culture system, to ensure long-term growth and functionality. Croyez growth factors are a great option for your organoid development. Apart from RUO grades recombinant proteins, Croyez has also successfully developed a series of high-quality GMP-grade recombinant proteins, such as IL-2, IL-15, IL-21. These products are produced with strict quality management and with Croyez GMP-grade cytokines, we can better assist your clinical research in cell therapies.

References

• Tang, XY., Wu, S., Wang, D. et al. Human organoids in basic research and clinical applications. Sig Transduct Target Ther 7, 168 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41392-022-01024-9
• Tortorella, I., Argentati, C., Emiliani, C. et al. The role of physical cues in the development of stem cell-derived organoids. Eur Biophys J 51, 105–117 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00249-021-01551-3