Introducing the Gibco B-27 Plus Neuronal Culture System

Maximize survival of neurons derived from primary and stem cells

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Functional in vitro studies of neurons and neural networks require that the cells be maintained for prolonged periods of time at an optimal density. For primary rodent neurons, full functionality and maturation require maintenance in vitro for approximately 21 days, whereas human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)–derived neurons require several weeks to months in culture. For more than 25 years, scientists have relied on Gibco B-27 Supplement and Gibco Neurobasal Medium for a variety of neuronal culture applications [1].

Maintain neuronal cultures longer

Scientists are now seeking to maintain a higher density of neurons over longer periods of time than B-27 Supplement and Neurobasal Medium were originally designed to support. Part of the reason for these more stringent growth conditions is the advent of human iPSC-derived neurons, which grow and mature more slowly than primary rodent neurons. To address this need, we have developed the Gibco B-27 Plus Neuronal Culture System—a serum-free neuronal culture system consisting of B-27 Plus Supplement and Neurobasal Plus Medium—that reliably enables the highest survival rates of primary and stem cell–derived neurons.

Optimized formulations for neuronal culture

Leveraging our experience as the sole provider of B-27 supplements, we have optimized the formulation of B-27 Plus Supplement and Neurobasal Plus Medium, implemented more stringent requirements for raw materials, and improved our manufacturing, validation, and quality control processes. The optimized products work synergistically as a system, significantly improving upon the classic combination of B-27 Supplement and Neurobasal Medium and also outperforming other commercially available media in terms of neuronal survival and long-term maintenance (Figure 1).

In addition, the B-27 Plus Neuronal Culture System significantly accelerates neurite outgrowth in short-term neuronal cultures (Figures 2A and 2B) and improves the electrical activity in long-term cultures relative to the classic B-27 Supplement and Neurobasal Medium (Figure 2C). The accelerated neurite outgrowth and increase in spontaneous firing, together with a concomitant increase in synapsin staining (Figure 2D) for neurons grown using the B-27 Plus system, indicate the formation of functional synapses.

Learn more about B-27 Plus neuronal culture

The B-27 Plus Neuronal Culture System promotes high survival rates of primary and stem cell–derived neurons in both short- and long-term culture, which enables successful downstream applications utilizing these cells (see front cover image). In protocols used to differentiate, maintain, and mature neurons, the optimized B-27 Plus Supplement and Neurobasal Plus Medium should be used in place of the original versions of these products. The B-27 Plus Neuronal Culture System should not be used for neural stem cell expansion or in place of other specialized versions of B-27 supplements and Neurobasal media (e.g., B-27 supplements minus vitamin A or minus insulin, or Neurobasal-A media). B-27 Plus Supplement and Neurobasal Plus Medium are offered in the same volumes and concentrations as the classic products, which will continue to be available.

Reference

1. Brewer GJ, Torricelli JR, Evege EK et al. (1993) J Neurosci Res 35:567–576.