Have you ever wondered what makes a cell culture medium ideal for growing neurons? Neurobasal Plus stands out as a top choice for researchers working with brain cells. This medium helps keep neurons alive and healthy in the lab, making it easier to study how they work.
In simple terms, Neurobasal Plus is built to support primary neurons from rodents or human stem cells. It pairs well with supplements to boost cell growth without needing extra layers of support cells. Many labs turn to it for reliable results in experiments.
Understanding its makeup can help you pick the right tools for your work. Let’s dive into the details of Neurobasal Plus and why it’s a game-changer for neuronal studies.
What is Neurobasal Plus Medium?
Neurobasal Plus is a basal medium designed for culturing neurons in vitro. It comes from Gibco and is part of an advanced system for neuroscience research. Unlike basic media, it focuses on keeping neurons viable for longer periods.
This medium is serum-free, which means it avoids animal-derived components that can vary between batches. It’s often used with B-27 Plus Supplement to create a complete environment for cell growth. Researchers value it for studies on brain development and disease models.
Labs use it for primary cultures from rat or mouse brains, as well as neurons derived from induced pluripotent stem cells. It supports maturation without astrocytes, simplifying setups. Overall, it’s a go-to for clean, consistent neuronal work.
Key Components of Neurobasal Plus
At its core, Neurobasal Plus includes 25 mM D-glucose as an energy source for cells. It also has 0.22 mM sodium pyruvate to aid metabolism. These basics fuel neurons during growth.
Amino acids are key players here, providing building blocks for proteins. Vitamins help with cell functions, while inorganic salts maintain balance in the culture. Other elements fine-tune the environment for optimal health.
Compared to earlier versions, Neurobasal Plus optimizes amino acid levels and buffering agents. No extra growth factors or small molecules are added, keeping it straightforward. This setup ensures stability in long-term cultures.
How It Differs from Standard Neurobasal?
Standard Neurobasal laid the groundwork for neuronal cultures years ago. It works well but can limit survival in some cases. Neurobasal Plus builds on that by tweaking concentrations for better performance.
The main changes involve amino acids and buffers, leading to higher cell viability. Tests show it increases survival by over 50% when paired with the right supplement. This makes it more reliable for demanding experiments.
While both are serum-free, the Plus version accelerates neurite outgrowth. It also improves how neurons fire signals. For researchers, this means fewer failed runs and clearer data.
Benefits for Neuronal Cultures
One big plus is enhanced survival rates for primary rodent neurons. In weeks-long cultures, more cells stay alive compared to older media. This saves time and resources in the lab.
For human iPSC-derived neurons, it promotes faster maturation. Cells develop networks quickly, aiding studies on brain disorders. It also boosts electrophysiological activity, making it ideal for functional tests.
- Higher neuron counts after weeks in culture
- Better neurite extension for network formation
- Consistent results across batches
- Reduced need for feeder cells
These perks make Neurobasal Plus a smart pick for busy labs.
How to Use Neurobasal Plus Medium?
Start by storing it in the fridge at 2-8°C, away from light. When ready, warm it to room temperature before use. Add B-27 Plus Supplement at 2% for a complete mix.
Plate your neurons on coated surfaces like poly-D-lysine. Change half the medium every few days to keep nutrients fresh. Avoid full changes to prevent stress on cells.
For stem cell-derived neurons, include CultureOne Supplement if needed. Monitor cultures under a microscope for signs of health. This routine helps achieve strong, mature neurons.
Applications in Research
Neurobasal Plus shines in studies of brain development. It supports prenatal neuron maturation, helping explore early wiring. Researchers use it to model conditions like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s.
In electrophysiology, it enables clear recordings of neuron activity. This is useful for drug testing or understanding signals. It also works for neural stem cell expansion.
Beyond basics, it’s great for insulin-related studies with modified versions. Or for looking at oxidative stress by removing antioxidants. Its versatility covers many areas in neuroscience.
Conclusion
Neurobasal Plus offers a solid foundation for neuronal work with its optimized components. From glucose and pyruvate to balanced salts, it covers the essentials for healthy cultures. Paired with supplements, it delivers top results.
If you’re in neuroscience, consider Neurobasal Plus for your next project. It boosts survival and growth, leading to better insights. Give it a try and see the difference in your lab.