BrainBloX is BrainXell’s modular framework for designing human-relevant CNS systems tailored to specific research questions. Starting with a foundation of human iPSC-derived neurons, astrocytes, microglia, oligodendrocytes, disease-specific lines, and reporter technologies, researchers can select the cellular components most relevant to their biology and combine them into customized experimental platforms. This flexible approach enables the creation of defined model systems that balance biological complexity with experimental control. Using BrainBloX, researchers can progress from straightforward 2D co-cultures and tri-cultures to increasingly sophisticated multicellular and 3D systems, including spheroids, tri-culture spheroids, and myelinoids. Each platform is designed to capture key cellular interactions within the human CNS, providing opportunities to study neuroimmune signaling, neurodegeneration, myelination, disease mechanisms, and therapeutic responses in a more physiologically relevant context.

As Dr. Su-Chun Zhang, BrainXell Founder and Interim CEO, explains, “We can culture neurons, astrocytes, and microglia together, or introduce oligodendrocytes to form myelin sheaths. By labeling these different cell types with reporters, we can generate clearer and more accessible functional readouts, particularly in 2D systems, which are often easier to perform and analyze.”

By pairing these modular model systems with functional readouts such as imaging, calcium flux, MEA, cytokine analysis, qPCR, and reporter activity, BrainBloX helps transform complex biology into actionable data. The result is a scalable and adaptable framework for discovery research, disease modeling, and the development of next-generation New Approach Methodologies (NAMs), empowering scientists to build the right model for their biology, timeline, and goals.

Tri-Culture Spheroids combine human iPSC-derived neurons, astrocytes, and microglia within a three-dimensional environment, enabling researchers to study complex neuroimmune interactions in a model that more closely reflects the cellular architecture of the human CNS. These multicellular systems support investigations into neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, cell-cell communication, and therapeutic response in a physiologically relevant context.

Myelinoids integrate neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes in a three-dimensional system designed to model myelination and neuron-glia interactions in the human CNS. By supporting the formation of myelin sheaths around neuronal processes, myelinoids provide a powerful platform for studying white matter biology, demyelinating diseases, and potential remyelination therapies in a human-relevant setting.

Functional Readouts are the foundation for transforming complex cellular biology into actionable scientific insight. BrainBloX platforms can be paired with a range of functional assays, including imaging, calcium imaging, MEA, cytokine analysis, reporter activity, qPCR, and viability measurements, enabling researchers to evaluate cellular function, network activity, neuroimmune responses, gene expression, and therapeutic effects across both 2D and 3D CNS model systems.

Ready to Build Your Next CNS Model?

Whether you’re exploring a defined co-culture, developing a complex multicellular system, or looking to incorporate disease-specific lines and functional readouts, the BrainXell scientific team is here to help. Connect with our scientists to discuss your research goals, experimental design, and timeline, and discover how BrainBloX can be tailored to support your next discovery.

Contact the BrainXell team to start building your next project.

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