ZenBio - Primary cells, blood-derived products, and other essential tools for cell culture research - Distributed in the UK & Europe by Caltag Medsystems
ZenBio
ZenBio offers research partners a unique "cells and services" model delivering robust cell-based solutions to accelerate the discovery and development of therapies to better the human condition. ZenBio was created to meet the needs of investigators interested in understanding human obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Since then, they have expanded their product portfolio to include a wide variety of primary cells, blood-derived products and other essential reagents and tools for cell culture research:
- Human cell-based products, including fresh apheresis and bone marrow, isolated haematopoietic cells and human platelet lysate
- ZenComplete™ and ZenSkin™ research solutions platforms for cosmetic and personal care product companies
- Contract research services for outsourcing key projects
- Cell-based assay development and custom consultations
- Individualised screening programs (cell-based or biochemical)
- Cell characterisation and molecular biology services
Human Blood Products
ZenBio can provide many different Human blood components to meet your research needs. They can collect and process per your specifications or by standard collection methods. Some of their standard products are shown below. If you do not see the specific item that you need listed here, please contact us. We will work with you to provide the materials that fit your research specifications and budget.
All samples are collected in FDA licensed facility and pathogen tested according to FDA guidelines for the following: HBsAG, Anti-HCV, Anti-HIV-1/2, HIV-1 RNA, HBV DNA, HCV RNA, Syphilis.
Human Blood Products Available
- Leukopaks
- Bone Marrow, Cord Blood, and Whole Blood
- Red Blood Cells
- Plasma (Recovered, Source, and Platelet Rich)
- Human Serum
- Leukocytes (Buffy Coats)
- Platelet Concentrates
Specifications Available
For All Products:
- In preservative solutions: ACD, CPD, CPDA-1, Heparin, EDTA, PAXgene® Blood Tube
- Blood group type-specific
- Containing haemoglobin AA or AS
- Specific MCV range
- Gender, age, or ethnicity specific
For Packed Red Blood Cells:
- Sized for MCV
- 48-hour turnaround
- Negative for HBsAg, HIV 1-2, HCV and RPR
- Blood group specific
- Gender, age, or ethnicity specific
- Fresh and outdated
For Plasma:
- Types of plasma available:
- Heparin anticoagulant
- Sodium Citrate anticoagulant
- EDTA anticoagulant
- ACD anticoagulant
- Platelet-poor
- Platelet-rich
- Fresh Frozen Plasma
- Source Plasma
- Recovered plasma
- Single units or pools
- Gender, age, or ethnicity specific
For Serum:
- Types of serum available: off-clot serum
- Single units or pools
- Gender, age, or ethnicity specific
For Leukocytes:
- Types of leukocyte preparations available: Buffy coats
- Gender, age, or ethnicity specific
For Platelets:
- Types of platelets available:
- Recovered platelet-rich plasma
- Platelet concentrates
- Gender, age, or ethnicity specific
Human Primary Cells
ZenBio was founded on the premise that researchers have more important work at hand that struggling with procuring tissue and isolating cells. Since their founding in 1995 they have established a robust tissue procurement network and world class cell isolation technologies to simplify research that requires primary cell systems.
ZenBio's tissue collection and cell isolation procedures are all IRB approved and they have a rigorous quality control system that helps insure only the highest quality cells and media are shipped to customers.
They have multiple cell systems currently in development so if you do not see a cell system that meets your needs, let us know and we will work to accommodate your request.
Currently, cells from the following cell systems are available:
Human Animal-Free Products
ZenBio is proud to offer several non-animal replacements for Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS): Human Platelet Lysate, GroPro ready-to-use growth supplement and Human AB Serum.
Human Platelet Lysate & GroPro
ZenBio's Human Platelet Lysate (HPL) and GroPro are non-animal derived cell culture growth supplements obtained from human platelets. HPL contains an abundance of growth factors and cytokines necessary for cell growth and proliferation. Platelet lysate can be used as a replacement for traditional Fetal Bovine (FBS) supplemented cell culture medium. Replacing FBS with HPL allows for the expansion and potential clinical grade production of functional mesenchymal stromal cells by removing the risk of xenogeneic immune reactions and transmission of bovine prion and viral pathogens. Additionally, HPL and GroPro are derived from a renewable source that is not tied to the animal slaughter industry!
The US FDA is moving towards adopting European guidelines requiring that bovine materials be removed from culturing media for any therapeutic product containing cultured cells, thus making HPL an attractive alternative to the R&D and production/manufacturing processes. All lots are fully tested for pathogens according to FDA guidelines.
- Fetal Bovine Serum
- 10X more potent than FBS
- Stable Pricing
- Non-Animal Derived
- Traceability
- Free of Mycoplasma
- Lot-to-Lot Consistency
- Sterile Collection
- Pool Processing
- QC Tested in Zen Bio's Cell Production System
See all Human Platelet Lysate & GroPro
Human AB Serum
Human serum offers a technical advantage over animal serum when culturing a variety of human cell types, especially those cells making up the immune system. This is also the serum of choice when developing tissue engineered and regenerative medicine products, as many regulatory agencies in a growing number of countries are restricting the use of animal serum during the manufacturing process.
Since human serum from type AB donors is lacking in antibodies towards the A and B blood-type antigens, this is the type most used as immunoreactivity is minimised against the human cells in culture. Male donor serum is preferred over female, as this lowers the risk of major histocompatibility class (MHC) antibodies being present. Women having a past pregnancy may have developed these antibodies to MHC antigens carried on the father's cells or the developing foetus.
Human Exosomes
ZenBio human pre-adipocytes (adipose derived adult stem cells) and placental mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are characterised by their self-renewing capacity and ability to differentiate into chondrocytes, adipocytes, and osteocytes. This makes them attractive starting materials for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications.
Since few transplanted cells persist in vivo, the beneficial effects of cell therapy may lie in the secreted factors being the active component of this treatment. A key part of paracrine secretion is Exosomes, which are membrane vesicles that are stored intracellularly in endosomal compartments and are secreted when these structures fuse with the cell plasma membrane.
- Exosomes contain protein, DNA, and RNA, thus making them an attractive vector of paracrine signals delivered by stem cells.
- Exosomes may also be “loaded” with predetermined proteins and nucleic acid to achieve a desired effect.
- Exosomes can be stored as an “off-the-shelf” product having the potential for circumventing many of the limitations of viable cells for therapeutic applications in regenerative medicine.
- In vitro, exosomes from pre-adipocytes stimulate cell proliferation in a wound healing model.
- In vivo, adipose-graft derived exosomes have been shown to be a promising tool for skin repair and remodelling.
Quality Control: All cells have been screened negative for HIV-1, HIV-2, Hep-B, Hep-C and Syphilis. All isolated and concentrated exosomes undergo includes Particle mean diameter, Protein concentration, RNA concentration and Concentration of particles/ml.
GroPro Collagen Coated Cell Culture Plastics
Collagen I – ZenBio is proud to offer collagen I coated Tissue Culture ware. Collagen is one of the more abundant components of the extracellular matrix proteins and the major constituent that gives strength to connective tissue and found in dermis, bone, ligament, and tendons. A key role for collagens is to provide a scaffold for cell attachment differentiation, proliferation, and migration. Numerous studies have shown that anchorage dependent cells grown on collagen have increased proliferation, acquire higher cell densities, and require lower serum and growth factor concentrations. ZenBio only use high quality and purity collagen I derived from rat tail.
- Ready to use right from the package
- Available in multiple formats
- High-quality, consistent coating of rat tail collagen I for culturing primary cells
- Convenient room temperature storage
- Cost Effective
| Material | Flask: polystyrene Plates: polystyrene Cap: polyethylene Vent: Hydrophobic |
|---|---|
| Sterile | Yes |
| Shipping | Room Temperature |
| Storage | 4-30°C; Shelf life: 6 months from date of shipment |
| Cap | Vented |
| Neck | Canted |
Cell Culture Media
All ZenBio media are performance tested for sterility and functionality in ZenBio cells. These media formulations are the results of years of experience in providing nutrients for optimal cell culture growth in research and manufacturing. ZenBio's goal is to provide customers with consistent high-quality media at the best prices, allowing researchers the freedom and convenience to optimise their own systems, while removing one more variable from their research efforts.
Quality Control
In order to maintain consistent quality control all media are manufactured under strict compliance to written operating procedures. This provides the same quality product and reliability from lot to lot.
Formulations
Media formulations are readily available and can be ordered at any time with very short delivery times. Media can be ordered in various formulations:
- Basal (without antibiotics)
- Phenol-Red Free
- Without serum
- Serum Free formulation (ZB Free)
Research Kits
Cosmeceutical Kits
ZenBio offers research kits to test natural products, synthetic compounds and samples for their potential use as antioxidants, or cellulite and wrinkle treatments. The antioxidant kits can be used to assess the antioxidant capacity of test samples through several mechanisms. The cellulite and wrinkle screening assays allow scientists to target the subcutaneous fat layer to alter the outward appearance of skin.
Antioxidant Assay Kits
ZenBio offers several Antioxidant Assay Kits to determine the antioxidant capacity of natural products, synthetic compounds, biological fluids, cells, and tissue for use as dietary supplements, topical protection, and therapeutics. We offer ORAC, HORAC, NORAC, CORAC, TEAC, ABTS, TAC, FRAP, DPPH, CAA, and other kits ready to use.
Anti-Cellulite Screening
This kit provides a tool to study chemical compounds that may influence lipolysis in cultured human adipocytes. It specifically measures both the non-esterified fatty acids (free fatty acids) and glycerol released by the breakdown of triglyceride to potentially reduce adipocyte size and the appearance of cellulite.
Anti-Wrinkle Screening
This kit is designed to test compounds as potential adipogenic agonists. The PPAR gamma agonist used as the Positive Control sufficiently stimulates human adipocyte differentiation after 7 days of treatment to increase adipocyte size and potentially the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Metabolic Disease Kits
ZenBio offers a variety of kits for testing compounds as potential obesity or diabetes therapies. Compounds can be screened in human adipocytes or the rodent 3T3-L1 cell line.
Lipid Accumulation
The Adipogenesis Assay kits provide the tools to study the compounds that stimulate cultured human adipocyte differentiation or lipogenesis.
Lipolysis
ZenBio's lipolysis assay kits provide the tools to study chemical compounds that may influence lipolysis in cultured human or 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Kits are available with and without a plate of cells. Kits can measure the glycerol and/or free fatty acids released in lipolysis.
Serum / Plasma Fatty Acid & Glycerol Detection Kits
ZenBio offers kits to analyse the levels of NEFA, glycerol, or both in human and animal serum or plasma. The kits are designed for use in a 96-well format and 1 to 10 l of sample through a two-step addition process, the level of NEFA can be quantified relative to a standard curve.
EZPREP Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell Isolation Kit
The EZPREP Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell Isolation Kit is designed to isolate highly purified peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from fresh whole blood products by density gradient centrifugation. Red blood cells (RBCs), platelets and unwanted cells are targeted for removal by the density gradient, lysis buffer, and a slow speed spin. PBMCs are immediately available for downstream applications such as flow cytometry, culture, or DNA/RNA isolation.
ZenComplete™ Custom Services
ZenBio has built a reputation as a trusted research partner, delivering cell-based products of consistent high quality, providing premium customer services, and ensuring their customers receive full value from these products and services.
ZenComplete™ brings together ZenBio's products, services, and technologies to accelerate cell biology research across diverse fields including molecular biology, human disease research and cosmetics/personal care research. ZenComplete™ is just that: complete. It combines cell-based products as well as premium consulting and research services together in a world-class offering that is:
- Customised: Whether you are conducting disease research or cosmetic product development, ZenComplete™ offers customised products and services uniquely suited to your research requirements.
- Trusted: ZenBio products are Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) compliant and certified, are relied on by top research organisations worldwide. Their industry reputation has been enhanced by time-tested services and consulting.
- Comprehensive: The ZenComplete™ portfolio delivers everything you need- products, technologies, services, and consulting-to minimise costs and leverage resources.
- Even as project demands and deadlines increase while research budgets and headcount diminish, your organisation can deliver novel disease therapies and safer, more effective consumer products that improve quality of life, and perhaps even extend it. ZenComplete™ was developed specifically to help you achieve these goals.
Services Available:
Total Antioxidant Testing Services
ZenBio offers several Antioxidant Assay Services and Kits to determine the antioxidant capacity of natural products, synthetic compounds, biological fluids, cells, and tissue for use as dietary supplements, topical protection, and therapeutics. They offer ORAC, HORAC, NORAC, CORAC, SOAC, SORAC, TEAC, ABTS, TAC, FRAP, DPPH, CAA, and other assays as contract services.
Metabolic Disease Contracts
ZenBio offers a variety of assays to test compounds as potential diabetes or obesity therapies. Customers can choose from a selection of assays, or ZenBio can design a custom program tailored to each client's specific research needs.
ZenSkin™ Products and Services
ZenBio has developed a dedicated solutions platform delivering products, services, and expertise to assist in the emerging and diverse research field of skin. From initial donor-specific tissue acquisition to full thickness skin testing or 3D skin equivalents, the ZenBio research team can deliver dermal research capabilities to accelerate client projects and meet objectives rapidly in a cost-effective approach minimising time, and resources.
Customised Cell Solutions
ZenBio offers customers exceptional versatility in addressing specific project requirements with their robust custom cell-based assay development and services capabilities. Experience a seamless workflow, customised to meet your rigorous project needs.
Custom Tissue Procurement Services
ZenBio offers cells, tissue, and serum from a diverse group of donor populations. Products are available from mixed donor lots, individual donor lots and a variety of disease states such as type II diabetes, hypertension, and others.
PhotoBiology Screening Services
Caltag Medsystems is here to support you in your custom projects with ZenBio. Contact us with your requirements and we will do our best to source the products you need.