n3D Publishes Innovative Assay using 3D Bioprinted Cells for Vasoactivity Testing in Collaboration with LC Sciences and AstraZeneca
Houston, TX (PRWEB) August 04, 2016 -- Nano3D Biosciences (n3D) has just published an article in Scientific Reports http://go.nature.com/2asc61N in collaboration with LC Sciences and AstraZeneca, in which they developed a novel assay for vasoactivity using its core 3D cell culture platform, magnetic 3D bioprinting.
A compound's effect on vasoactivity, or the contraction and dilation of blood vessels, is of significant interest to the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries. However, most assays for vasoactivity involve animal testing that is costly, low-throughput, and not predictive of responses in humans. With pressure to not only improve throughput and accuracy, but also to reduce animal testing, safety labs worldwide are looking for in vitro alternatives.
n3D tries to meet this demand by developing a cell-based assay to rapidly and accurately screen compounds for vasoactivity. In this work entitled "A high-throughput in vitro ring assay for vasoactivity using magnetic 3D bioprinting", it demonstrates the vasoactive effect for a panel of vasodilating and vasoconstricting compounds. "We validated this assay with bioprinted animal and human cells, and by doing so, we have an alternative to animal testing to screen vasoactivity" said Hubert Tseng, Senior R&D Scientist at n3D and lead author on this publication. Vasoactivity was measured in real-time with an Apple iPod Touch imaging system, and the vasoactive response detected was found to be distinct from a toxic response.
n3D President and CSO Dr. Glauco Souza said, "The speed and throughput of our vasoactivity assay sets us apart from other 3D cell culturing and 3D bioprinting techniques, such as the ones from Insphero and Organovo. We are looking forward to this assay becoming the standard in compound toxicity testing and in the development of new vasoactive drugs."
"This assay is the only one of its kind on the market that can replace animal testing for vasoactivity studies. This assay not only addresses an unmet need in this space, but also highlights our versatility and innovation of n3D’s magnetic 3D bioprinting technology. We are excited to have a new tool for CROs and pharma to further support drug development and toxicity studies in the cardiovascular space. Speed and throughput will greatly assist in controlling cost and enabling better screening of drug candidates earlier in the drug discovery pipeline." says n3D Director of Sales & Marketing Cal Froberg.
This publication can be found here: http://www.nature.com/articles/srep30640
About Nano3D Biosciences Inc.
n3D is a privately held company based in the world famous Texas Medical Center in Houston, TX. The company specializes in developing products and providing services utilizing its magnetic 3D cell culture and 3D bioprinting technologies for drug discovery, toxicology, and life science research markets. Products and services are offered through direct sales and its distribution partner, Greiner Bio-One. For more information visit http://www.n3dbio.com or email at info(at)n3dbio(dot)com.
Glauco Souza, Nano3D Biosciences, Inc., http://www.n3dbio.com, +1 (832) 472-8128, [email protected]
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