Tailored Neural Differentiation Service Platform
Creative Biolabs is at the forefront of neuroscience research, offering a bespoke Custom Neural Differentiation Service designed to meet the precise needs of your research. We harness the latest advancements in stem cell technology to differentiate pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), including induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and embryonic stem cells (ESCs), into a diverse array of specific neural cell types. Our service provides a reliable and reproducible source of human neurons, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and other neural lineages, empowering your research into neurodegenerative diseases, developmental neurobiology, and drug discovery.
What Is Neural Differentiation?
Neural differentiation is the complex biological process by which PSCs give rise to the specialized cells of the nervous system. This process, which recapitulates in vivo neurodevelopment, involves a precisely controlled cascade of signaling pathways and gene expression changes that guide cells from a pluripotent state, through neural progenitor stages, and ultimately to terminally differentiated, functional cells such as neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes. Mastering this process in vitro is essential for creating physiologically relevant human models, providing a renewable and reliable platform to study neural function, model devastating diseases, and accelerate therapeutic discovery.
Discover how our tailored neural differentiation platform slots into your workflow
Contact us to scope cell-type-specific assays, timelines, and pricing.Spotlight: Our Core Differentiation Capabilities
Our Custom Neural Differentiation Service is built on a versatile platform capable of generating a comprehensive library of neural cell types. We go beyond generic protocols to deliver highly specific, functionally mature, and physiologically relevant cellular models tailored to your project requirements.
Directed Differentiation of Neuronal Subtypes
We employ precise small-molecule and transcription factor-based protocols to generate high-purity (>95%) populations of specific neuronal subtypes. Our robust pipeline delivers functional Cortical Glutamatergic, GABAergic, Midbrain Dopaminergic, and Spinal Motor neurons, providing you with the exact cellular tools needed for targeted mechanistic studies.
Glial Lineage Differentiation
Beyond neurons, we offer specialized differentiation protocols for essential glial lineages to support neuroinflammation and myelination research. We successfully generate functional Astrocytes (quiescent or reactive), iPSC-derived Microglia (iMGL), and Oligodendrocytes. These cells can be delivered individually or established as co-cultures to recapitulate complex neuro-glial interactions.
Patient-Specific & Isogenic Disease Modeling
We offer a comprehensive "Patient-to-Assay" service, reprogramming patient somatic cells into iPSCs followed by targeted differentiation. Crucially, we integrate CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing to generate isogenic control lines (mutation repair or introduction), enabling you to distinguish true disease phenotypes from genetic background noise with absolute clarity.
Advanced 3D Neural Organoid Engineering
For projects requiring structural complexity, we engineer brain-region-specific 3D organoids, including Forebrain, Midbrain, and Cerebellar models. We handle the challenging long-term culture required for cellular maturation and lamination, delivering physiologically relevant tissue models ideal for studying developmental dynamics and viral infectivity.
Our Technology: Designed for Client Success
At Creative Biolabs, we merge pioneering technology with deep scientific expertise to deliver neural cells of the highest quality, purity, and functional relevance. Our technology platform is built on a foundation of reproducibility, precision, and state-of-the-art analytical methods, ensuring you receive cellular models that are not only robust but also directly applicable to your research questions.
Advanced Directed Differentiation Protocols
Our differentiation strategies move beyond traditional methods by employing fully optimized, chemically defined, and serum-free protocols. This approach minimizes batch-to-batch variability and ensures the highest level of experimental reproducibility. We utilize a combination of small molecule inhibitors and activators to precisely manipulate key signaling pathways (e.g., dual SMAD inhibition for neural induction, followed by targeted Wnt, FGF, and Shh pathway modulation) to guide PSCs toward specific neural fates. For applications requiring rapid and homogenous neuronal populations, we leverage powerful transcription factor-mediated overexpression systems, such as NGN2 induction, to generate synchronous cultures of functional excitatory neurons in a matter of weeks. This ensures you receive highly pure (>95%) populations of your desired cell type, ready for downstream analysis.
Biologically Relevant 3D Culture Systems
Recognizing the limitations of 2D monolayer cultures, we specialize in the development of advanced 3D neural models, including brain-region-specific organoids and spheroids. These self-organizing structures recapitulate the complex cytoarchitecture, cell-cell interactions, and layered organization of the developing human brain. Our expertise spans the generation of various organoid types, including cortical, hippocampal, midbrain, and cerebellar models. These in vivo-like systems provide an unparalleled platform for studying complex neurodevelopmental processes, modeling intricate disease pathologies involving cell migration or network formation, and assessing drug efficacy in a more physiologically relevant context.
Comprehensive Multi-Parametric Characterization
Rigorous characterization is the cornerstone of our reliable cell models. Each project undergoes a comprehensive quality control pipeline to validate cell identity, purity, and functional maturity. We confirm lineage commitment and population purity using multi-color flow cytometry and high-content immunocytochemistry (ICC) for canonical markers (e.g., MAP2, GFAP, SOX10). Critically, we then confirm functional activity using MEA analysis for network electrical activity, patch-clamp electrophysiology for single-cell properties, and calcium imaging to visualize real-time neuronal responses.
Integration with AI and Machine Learning for Deep Phenotyping
To extract the maximum amount of information from your cellular models, we integrate artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) into our high-content analysis pipeline. Our automated imaging platforms capture vast amounts of morphological data (e.g., neurite length and branching, synaptic density, protein aggregation). Advanced ML algorithms then perform unbiased analysis on these complex datasets to identify subtle but significant phenotypic changes that may be missed by traditional methods. This allows for powerful, quantitative profiling of compound effects, genetic perturbations, or disease-specific phenotypes, providing you with deeper, more robust insights.
Neural Differentiation Service Workflow
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1
Consultation
We begin with a detailed consultation to understand your project goals, including the desired cell type, the starting material (e.g., patient-derived iPSCs, our in-house cell lines), and the required characterization.
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2
Differentiation
Our experienced scientists will perform the differentiation using our optimized protocols, providing regular updates on the progress of your project.
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3
Characterization
We will perform the agreed-upon characterization assays to validate the identity, purity, and functionality of the differentiated cells.
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4
Delivery
We will deliver the cryopreserved cells to your laboratory, along with a detailed report summarizing the differentiation process and characterization data.
Key Applications in Neuroscience
Our custom-differentiated neural populations provide the precise cellular tools for a new generation of neuroscience research. We support every stage from basic mechanistic studies to translational drug discovery, empowering you to tackle the most complex questions in neurobiology.
Figure 1. Human iPSC-derived neuronal model of Alzheimer’s disease.1,7
Precision Disease Modeling with Isogenic Controls
Model complex neurological disorders with unparalleled accuracy. We differentiate patient-derived iPSCs into disease-relevant cell types, such as dopaminergic neurons for Parkinson's, motor neurons for ALS, or cortical interneurons for epilepsy and schizophrenia. Crucially, we utilize advanced CRISPR-Cas9, base editing, and prime editing techniques to create isogenic control lines. This "gold standard" approach provides the clearest possible genetic background, allowing you to confidently attribute observed phenotypes—such as aberrant protein aggregation (α-synuclein, Tau), synaptic dysfunction, or neurite degeneration—directly to the genetic mutation of interest.
Figure 2. HCS for neuronal morphology phenotypes.2,7
High-Throughput Functional Screening
Accelerate your drug discovery pipeline using our robust, assay-ready neural populations. Our cells are optimized for automated, high-throughput platforms. This includes High-Content Screening (HCS) to quantify complex morphological and functional readouts, such as synaptic puncta density, neurite complexity, mitochondrial health (e.g., TMRE staining), and calcium flux imaging (Ca2+). Furthermore, our cultures are ideal for MEA screening, allowing you to assess network-level functional outcomes like compound-induced neurotoxicity (e.g., seizure-like activity) or therapeutic efficacy (e.g., restoration of synchronous network bursting).
Figure 3. Representative fluorescence images of the tri- and co-cultures.3,7
Neuroinflammation & Glial-Neuronal Interactions
Move beyond neuron-centric models to investigate the complete neuro-glial environment. We provide cutting-edge protocols to generate functional astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and iPSC-derived microglia (iMGLs). These are essential for creating complex co-culture or tri-culture systems (neuron-astrocyte-microglia) to model the neuroinflammatory axis. This allows for detailed investigation of glial-driven pathologies, such as iMGL-mediated synaptic pruning in ASD models, astrocyte reactivity (A1/A2) in response to injury, or oligodendrocyte-mediated myelination (and demyelination in MS models) using validated in vitro assays.
Figure 4. The differentiation of small human cerebral organoids in vitro.4,7
Developmental Neurobiology & 3D Organoid Models
Study the complex spatio-temporal dynamics of human neurodevelopment in a system that recapitulates in vivo architecture. Our service includes the generation of complex 3D brain-region-specific organoids (e.g., cortical, hippocampal, cerebellar, midbrain). These models are essential for studying processes like cell migration, neural lamination, and developmental disorders (e.g., ASD, lissencephaly) or viral infectivity (e.g., ZIKV-induced microcephaly). For advanced circuit analysis, we can generate "assembloids"—fusing distinct brain-region organoids—to model long-range neuronal migration and functional connectivity, such as cortico-striatal pathways.
Figure 5. Patch clamp recording intracellular activity of neurons.5,7
Synaptic Function & Network Connectivity
Generate mature, functional neuronal networks that exhibit robust synaptic activity. These cultures are ideal for in-depth electrophysiology, including patch-clamp recordings to analyze single-cell properties (e.g., action potentials) and synapse-level changes (e.g., mEPSCs/mIPSCs). By integrating optogenetics, we can express channelrhodopsin in specific sub-populations. This state-of-the-art approach allows for precise, light-based stimulation and interrogation of specific neural inputs, enabling you to dissect functional connectivity and synaptic plasticity within a complex in vitro circuit in a way previously impossible.
Figure 6. Various stem cell types explored for their potential in spinal cord injury treatment.6,7
Cell-Based Therapy & Regenerative Medicine
Accelerate your path to the clinic with a reliable source of highly characterized neural progenitors and mature cells. We support preclinical studies for cell replacement strategies in conditions like Parkinson's disease (dopaminergic progenitors) and spinal cord injury (neural stem cells). Our rigorous characterization includes demonstrating in vivo integration and functional efficacy in relevant animal models. We understand the translational pipeline and can provide the robustly validated cell populations necessary for your preclinical efficacy and safety studies, laying the groundwork for future cGMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) manufacturing.
Our Trusted Partners
Frequently Asked Questions
References
1. Bassil, Reina, et al. "Improved Modeling of Human AD with an Automated Culturing Platform for iPSC Neurons, Astrocytes and Microglia." Nature Communications, vol. 12, no. 1, Sept. 2021, p. 5220. DOI.org, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-25344-6.
2. Menduti, Giovanna, and Marina Boido. "Recent Advances in High-Content Imaging and Analysis in iPSC-Based Modelling of Neurodegenerative Diseases." International Journal of Molecular Sciences, vol. 24, no. 19, Sept. 2023, p. 14689. DOI.org, https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241914689.
3. Goshi, Noah, et al. "A Primary Neural Cell Culture Model to Study Neuron, Astrocyte, and Microglia Interactions in Neuroinflammation." Journal of Neuroinflammation, vol. 17, no. 1, Dec. 2020, p. 155. DOI.org, https://doi.org/10.1186/s12974-020-01819-z.
4. Dong, Xin, et al. "Human Cerebral Organoids Establish Subcortical Projections in the Mouse Brain after Transplantation." Molecular Psychiatry, vol. 26, no. 7, July 2021, pp. 2964–76. DOI.org, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41380-020-00910-4.
5. Noguchi, Asako, et al."In Vivo Whole-Cell Patch-Clamp Methods: Recent Technical Progress and Future Perspectives." Sensors, vol. 21, no. 4, Feb. 2021, p. 1448. DOI.org, https://doi.org/10.3390/s21041448.
6. Zeng, Chih-Wei. "Advancing Spinal Cord Injury Treatment through Stem Cell Therapy: A Comprehensive Review of Cell Types, Challenges, and Emerging Technologies in Regenerative Medicine." International Journal of Molecular Sciences, vol. 24, no. 18, Sept. 2023, p. 14349. DOI.org, https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241814349.
7. Distributed under Open Access license CC BY 4.0, without modification.
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