CELLnTEC has developed the following specialized media for the isolation and proliferation of dermal fibroblast progenitors in 2D (adherent) and 3D (non-adherent spheroid) culture. 

Human dermal fibroblasts (HDF) growing in CnT-05 medium as a 2D adherent culture, after 4 population doublings (cells grown according to our recommended protocols and seeding densities)

The choice of culture method (adherent or non-adherent) significantly affects the way cells behave in vitro. 

Many studies have now conclusively demonstrated significantly different outcomes between 2D and 3D culture of the same cell type.  More specifically it has been found that altered adhesion leads to many physical cellular changes (morphology, proliferation, motility, gene expression and differentiation),  and as a result significantly different responses to growth factors and pharmaceuticals (see Yamada and Cukierman, Cell 2007 for an excellent review).

Researchers now how the choice between two Progenitor Cell Targeted (PCT) media for fibroblast culture, namely CnT-05 (for 2D adherent culture), and the newly released fully defined CnT-DP-3D for 3D spheroid culture.

CnT-05

CnT-05 is a PCT medium, that contains several factors to improve the isolation and proliferation of fibroblast progenitors.  This is the recommended medium for isolation and 2D (adherent) culture of fibroblasts from a range of species and tissues. 

Primary fibroblasts maintained in CnT-05 for up to 20 population doublings have been shown to effectively form spheres when switched to a hanging-drop culture in CnT-DP-3D medium.

CnT-DP-3D

New Release!  CnT-DP-3D is a fully defined medium found to successfully establish 3D fibroblast spheroid cultures.  As a PCT medium, CnT-DP-3D contains several growth factors specifically selected to enhance retention and proliferation of fibroblast progenitor cells.

3D spheroids established using HDP dermal papilla cells in CnT-DP-3D medium haves been found to express Sox-2.  Sox-2 positive cells isolated from ther dermal papilla have been found to demonstrate several dermal stem cell functions, including reconsititution of the dermis, and hair follicle induction (see Biernaskie et al. Cell Stem Cell 2009).

Applications From the Literature

Cultivation of Human and Rat Fibroblasts: Nguyen-Lefebvre et al., 2010. Journal of Proteomics. In this reference paper, the use of our fibroblast medium CnT-05 and our human and rat fibroblasts (HDF and DF-R) are described.

Free Medium Samples

CELLnTEC is offering free samples to new customers who are interested to test the performance of our precision culture media.

Important Note: When testing your free sample, there are a number of important considerations. Please see our resources section for Media Testing Recommendations.