Overview
Applications of BrainPhys™ Imaging Optimized Medium include live fluorescent imaging (calcium imaging and optogenetics) and neuronal culture. In addition to the removal of phenol red, the formulation has been modified to reduce background fluorescence and increase stability upon repeated exposure to light (M Zabolocki et al. Nat Comm, 2020).
• Reduced background autofluorescence in the 488 nm excitation channel
• Perform functional assays without changing media and shocking cells
• More representative of the brain's extracellular environment
• Improved neuronal function and a higher proportion of synaptically active neurons
• Rigorous raw material screening and quality control ensure minimal lot-to-lot variability
- BrainPhys™ Imaging Optimized Medium (Catalog #05796)
- BrainPhys™ Imaging Optimized, 500 mL
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(12)Product Applications
This product is designed for use in the following research area(s) as part of the highlighted workflow stage(s). Explore these workflows to learn more about the other products we offer to support each research area.
Data and Publications
Data

Figure 1. Schematic for Live Imaging During Differentiation of hPSC-Derived Neurons
Neurons can be transitioned into BrainPhys™ IO with the relevant supplements and cultured for a maximum of 14 days.

Figure 2. Schematic for Live Imaging During Maturation of Primary Tissue-Derived Neurons
Neurons can be transitioned into BrainPhys™ IO with serum replacement supplement and cultured for a maximum of 14 days.

Figure 3. BrainPhys™ IO Reduces Phototoxicity and Autofluorescence of Imaged Cells
Primary rat cortical neurons cultured in BrainPhys™ Imaging Optimized Medium (A) retain a healthy morphology after exposure to blue LED light for 12 hours. (B) Neurons labeled with live neuron dye NeuroFluor™ NeuO showed reduced background fluorescence at a mean emission of 525 nm, resulting in improved image contrast. This medium has enhanced performance under live imaging conditions compared to the original BrainPhys™ Neuronal Medium formulation, which provides superior long-term culture health, but shows (C) some disintegrated cell bodies and neurites (black arrows) and (D) autofluorescence under the same experimental conditions.