Our Approach

In vitro models are not a perfect replication of in vivo biology and thus every in vitro model will have its inherent advantages and disadvantages. We recognize that models vary greatly in their cost and complexity and actively work with our Clients to determine which model is best for their specific research question. We help our Clients choose biology that matches their validation and functional requirements while minimizing cost and maximizing throughput. We also believe in open source models and openly share our model protocols, validation criteria, sourcing directions and characterization approaches.

While there is significant diversity in the types of 3D cell culture models that researchers want to leverage for research questions focused on cancer efficacy studies, researchers focused on liver toxicity (e.g. drug induced liver injury, fibrosis, NASH) are highly interested in standardized models. The rationale for this is that multiple research groups want to compare results while also choosing models (i.e. HepG2 vs primary human hepatocytes) that maximize throughput while minimizing cost and providing adequate in vivo relevancy. For this reason, we have launched our OpenLiver initiative through which we have developed standardized and open source liver 3D cell culture models for different research questions. We leverage these models for Client service projects as well as sell them as live plates for use in research. The major advantage of these models is that they are open source wherein we provide all of the protocols, guidance, validation criteria and sourcing details such that any research can replicate these results.

For researchers wishing to shift their biology from 2D to 3D or that want a custom 3D cell culture model, Visikol provides custom model development services. Visikol can generate custom models for use in a service project or can develop and optimize a protocol that it then transfer to a Client for routine use. Visikol has experience with developing primary models, 2D and 3D models, organoid generation and iPSC models.