Creative Biolabs offers comprehensive, high-throughput Cell-Based In Vitro Assay services for the rigorous screening and functional characterization of candidate probiotic strains and Live Biotherapeutic Products (LBPs). Leverage our expertise to rapidly identify promising candidates, elucidate their mechanisms of action (MoA), and gather essential data to support your product development, regulatory filings, and health claims.
Service Overview: Unlocking Probiotic Potential
Cell-based in vitro assays are cost-effective, time-efficient, and ethical alternatives to animal models for the initial screening and mechanistic studies of probiotics. We use a diverse range of immortalized cell lines (e.g., Caco-2, HT-29, immune cells like PBMCs, macrophages) and co-culture systems to mimic the complex interactions occurring in the host, particularly within the gastrointestinal tract and immune system. Our services provide quantifiable evidence for core probiotic properties, including:
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Gastrointestinal Tolerance (acid and bile resistance).
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Adhesion to intestinal epithelial cells.
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Immune Modulation (anti-inflammatory/pro-inflammatory effects).
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Epithelial Barrier Function enhancement.
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Pathogen Exclusion (antimicrobial activity).
Explore Specific Probiotic Mechanisms
We offer a modular and customizable suite of assays to address specific research questions at every stage of probiotic development. To fully understand the potential of your probiotic candidates, we encourage you to explore our specialized cell-based assay modules.
This core module quantitatively assesses a probiotic strain's ability to reinforce the tight junction complexes of the intestinal epithelium, directly measuring reduced 'leaky gut' permeability using TEER and fluorescent tracer molecules.
Delve into the molecular conversation between your probiotic and host cells. We use ELISA, Western Blot, and qPCR to analyze key signaling pathways that mediate anti-inflammatory or pro-survival effects.
A critical step for probiotic function is adherence. We quantify the strain-specific ability of your probiotic to physically bind to mucus and/or intestinal epithelial cells, providing key data on potential colonization and competitive exclusion of pathogens.
Ready to validate your next probiotic breakthrough? Click to Inquire and Get a Free Quote Today!
Why Choose Our Cell-Based In Vitro Assays?
High-Throughput Screening
Efficiently screen dozens of strains simultaneously, saving significant time and resources compared to in vivo models.
Mechanistic Clarity
Provides targeted insights into how a strain works at a cellular and molecular level.
Relevance & Translatability
Utilizes human cell lines and relevant co-culture systems to generate data that is highly predictive of in vivo effects.
Customization
Flexible study design to target specific disease pathways (e.g., IBD, Allergies, Obesity) and mechanisms.
Quality & Expertise
Managed by Ph.D.-level scientists with deep expertise in microbiology, immunology, and gastrointestinal biology.
Necessity of Assays
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Initial Strain Selection: Narrowing down a large library of candidate probiotics to the most promising few.
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Product Formulation: Comparing the efficacy of different product formats (e.g., spores vs. vegetative cells, single strain vs. blend).
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Health Claim Substantiation: Providing robust, reproducible data required for regulatory bodies and marketing claims (e.g., "supports a healthy gut barrier").
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Mode of Action Research: Defining the scientific basis for a probiotic's function.
Applications
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Nutraceutical and Supplement Companies: Seeking scientific proof for product efficacy and claim substantiation.
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Food and Beverage Companies: Developing functional foods incorporating probiotics.
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Live Biotherapeutic Product (LBP) Developers: Requiring early-stage screening for drug development.
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Academic and Research Institutions: Collaborating on mechanistic studies and grant-funded research.
Your Competitive Advantage Starts Here
Partner with our expert CRO team to transform your raw probiotic strains into validated, evidence-backed products. Our specialization in host-microbe interactions ensures your data is not only accurate but meaningful.
Ready to substantiate your probiotics' functional claims? Request a Free Consultation & Quote!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you test proprietary/novel probiotic species?
Yes. We work under strict Confidentiality Agreements (CDAs) and have experience culturing and assaying a broad range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains, including next-generation probiotics.
What is the minimum amount of sample material needed?
The required amount depends on the number of assays. We will provide a precise CFU (Colony Forming Unit) or weight requirement after the initial consultation. Generally, a few milligrams of lyophilized powder or mLs of high-concentration frozen stock are sufficient.
Do you offer custom assay development?
Absolutely. If your research requires a unique cellular model (e.g., 3D organoids, specific co-culture of immune cells) or a novel readout, our team can design, optimize, and validate a custom assay protocol.
