Sample Sets and Inventory Available:
Click the links below to download an inventory report spreadsheet. Please note that many of these inventory reports contain multiple tabs.
Click the links below to download an inventory report spreadsheet. Please note that many of these inventory reports contain multiple tabs.
Discovery scientists were the first to validate cryopreserved tissue dissociations as a viable alternative to sourcing fresh tissue for many research applications. With proprietary custom protocols, our scientists have consistently demonstrated high percentages of viable cells both pre-freeze (81.3%) and post-thaw (69.7%). We also have found that most cell types are largely unaffected by cryopreservation. Click to access the white paper confirming cell viability in Dissociate Tumor Cells (DTCs) via flow cytometry.
Our team conducted a flow cytometry analysis of over 400 tumor dissociations across 11 oncology indications to observe indication-specific trends in tumor compositions. The data from this large-scale flow cytometry analysis of tumor dissociations has been presented at scientific meetings.
Also, a Technical Note is now available that confirms the suitability of DTCs for downstream genomic analysis by whole exome and whole transcriptome sequencing.
We continually innovate the utility of tissue dissociations in contemporary research and downstream applications (Box 1). Leveraging sophisticated technologies and techniques, including flow cytometry and genomic applications, we are expanding our sample characterizations and laboratory services. Exploring these applications in R&D and through client partnerships, our team has cultivated a deep expertise in applying tissue dissociations to custom projects. We are available for consultations to optimize the results of studies involving our tissue dissociations.
Our tissue dissociations are delivered as cryopreserved vials of single cell suspensions with guaranteed cell counts following our Thawing Viable Cell Products protocol. Specimens are processed using validated procedures that have been optimized per disease indication. Each specimen is provided with the base clinical data from the patient case, along with a redacted pathology report.
Our scientific team continually develops deeper characterization levels for our dissociated tissue inventories. View the characterization levels currently available in our existing inventories below:
Following surgical resection, tumors are placed in a proprietary tissue storage solution and shipped in a NanoCool™ Cooling System to Discovery’s expert Custom Biospecimen Processing Laboratory. Upon receipt, tumors are minced into small pieces and undergo a proprietary mechanical and enzymatic digestion to the single cell level. This digestion takes approximately 1 hour. Following digestion, cells are washed and cryopreserved.
Red blood cell lysis is not performed.
Dead cells or debris removal is not performed, as previous attempts at these protocols have only provided modest reductions in the number of dead cells or amount of debris while negatively impacting cellular yields and composition.
DTCs are cryopreserved in CryoStor© CS10.
DTCs are shipped on dry ice. Upon receipt, they should be used immediately or placed in liquid nitrogen vapor phase for long term storage.
Cell counts and viability are determined using a Nexcelom Cellometer® with acridine orange and propidium iodide to identify live and dead nucleated cells, respectively, per the recommendations provided by Nexcelom. Given the cellular debris that can be present, we do not recommend the use of trypan blue-based cell counting methods, as this will overestimate the number of dead cells.
Following at least 24 hours in liquid nitrogen, one vial is removed from storage and quickly thawed in a 37°C water bath until only a small frozen crystal remains. Vials are transferred into a biosafety cabinet and diluted with 1 ml of DMEM/F12 + 10% FBS in a 15ml conical tube. 20µl of the cell suspension is mixed with 20µl of acridine orange/propidium iodide and counted on a Nexcelom Cellometer to determine cell counts and viability.
We have profiled the sensitivity of numerous cell surface markers to the enzymatic cocktail used to dissociate tumors. For inquiries on specific markers, please contact info@dls.com.
Yes, we are able to test receptor sensitivity using samples with known expression, such as PBMCs or cell lines. For more information, please contact info@dls.com.
Yes, modified dissociation protocols are available that may maintain the expression of sensitive cell surface markers. While expression is preserved, the overall viability of the sample may be negatively impacted. For more information, please contact info@dls.com.
For short term cultures using DTCs, we recommend using ultra-low attachment plates, such as Corning™ Costar™ Ultra-Low Attachment Microplates. Conventional tissue culture-treated plates should be avoided. Serum-free media is also recommended, and we highly recommend using penicillin, streptomycin, gentamicin, primocin, and amphotericin B to limit bacterial and fungal growth. For more information, please contact info@dls.com.