Frequently Asked Questions
List prices and lead times for off-the-shelf products can be seen by logging in to NB-Lux.
Estimated pricing for custom media, buffers, and balanced salts in liquid or pod format may be shown on NB-Lux but is subject to adjustment after review by our Technical Sales Specialists depending on project intake requirements and components selected. A formal quote and lead time will be issued after evaluation.
Customers can order their products online by creating an account on NB-Lux. Customers can also request a quote or order direct by contacting us or connecting with their Technical Sales Specialist.
Our team will review your formula's specifications and confirm stock and lead times. Afterward, one of our Technical Sales Specialists will contact you to confirm the specifications sheet as well as discuss any questions we may have about your formula. Manufacturing of your media will begin upon receipt of payment.
When ordering off-the-shelf products, a Technical Sales Specialist will follow up to confirm your request.
Saved and placed orders are available on your NB-Lux account. To track the status of your order, go to Account Name > View Profile > Orders > Pending Orders. Order status located to the right of your order will reflect the current status.
To access the draft of the Technical Specifications for review and approval, log in to NB-Lux and go to Account Name > View Profile > Orders > Pending Orders and click on "Documents" for the product you want to review. You can also access the Technical Specifications for previous orders by clicking on the "Previous Orders" tab.
Favorite any product in NB-Lux by going to Account Name > View Profile > Orders > Pending Orders (or Previous Orders) and clicking on the "Add to Favorites" button.
When saving an order in NB-Lux or transferring your formula from NB-AIR to NB-Lux, your formula will be stored in "Saved Carts." To access "Saved Carts," go to Account Name > View Profile > Profile > Saved Carts.
To quickly reorder your media, solution, supplement, or reagent, access your NB-Lux profile by going to Account Name > View Profile > Orders > Pending Orders (or Previous Orders). Find the order you want to reorder and click "View Order." Your formula will load into the configurator. Review each section and click "Confirm" and then click on "Place an Order" to submit your request.
When asking for assistance through NB-Lux, all conversations are saved for easy access in the future. To access your tech support conversations, go to Account Name > View Profile > My Questions — here you will see the list of all current and previous conversations.
NB-ROC is a T cell serum-free media that significantly boosts transduction efficiency while maintaining proliferation and preserving relevant phenotypes to support the development of CAR-T cell therapies.
Currently, we have only tested NB-ROC on T cells but would welcome the opportunity to collaborate with our customers to test NB-ROC in other models. Contact us or reach out directly to your Technical Sales Specialist to discuss a collaboration.
NB-Lux is an online platform used to purchase and customize cell culture media and other critical biological solutions. Configuration options include components, concentrations, and packaging. Save and order your custom formulations, or purchase and modify basal media formulations from popular suppliers.
NB-Lux is absolutely free. Visit NB-Lux and click "Log in or Sign up" on the top right corner of the page. Next, click "Sign up" and complete the basic information to set up your account. We appreciate any specifics about your role and research interests so we can tailor your experience.
Yes, you can build a custom media, buffer, or balanced salt solution in the platform without an account, but you won't see some important information like estimated price and lead time until you create one.
Basal media formulations exist in the public domain for anyone to use. In NB-Lux, users have the ability to start from a specific supplier's formula simply by inputting their catalog number, keyword, or cell type.
Additionally, Nucleus Biologics has specific recommended formulations we use for our classical media.
Yes. If the formula is not a proprietary product offered by that supplier, and if the formula is known, we most likely can load it onto the platform for you. Contact us to inquire.
Yes, you can request a specific manufacturer. Once you have completed customizing your media, you have the option to "Ask Nucleus Biologics," where you can input questions or special instructions specific to your formulation. Please try to be as specific and detailed as possible. We will try to accommodate reasonable requests if possible. Lead time and price quote will be reviewed and re-generated offline if there are changes.
Yes, any media can be inputted into NB-Lux and stored in our system. Once your components and concentrations are entered, you can order your media in your desired configuration and quality.
Our team will review your formula's specifications and confirm stock and lead times. Afterward, one of our Technical Sales Specialists will contact you to confirm the specifications sheet as well as discuss any questions we may have about your formula. Manufacturing of your media will begin upon receipt of payment.
When ordering off-the-shelf products, a Technical Sales Specialist will follow up to confirm your request.
NB-ROC can be supplemented with a variety of proteins including human serum. To achieve up to threefold improvement in transduction efficiency, however, Physiologix must be used.
Physiologix is a serum replacement created by Nucleus Biologics that is recommended for its xeno-free and serum-free properties, as well as its enhanced synergy with NB-ROC. To achieve the highest transduction efficiency possible, consider supplementing with Physiologix.
Yes. We ensure your data is stored securely with SSL encryption, multi-level authentication, and extensive firewall rules. Additionally, as with all services offered by Nucleus Biologics, your created and inputted formulas remain your intellectual property.
NB-Lux has security features built into the system to prevent external access of your formulations. Additionally internal controls are in place to prevent Nucleus Biologics employees from learning the identity of formulation owners and anyone other than manufacturing technicians from knowing the exact contents of a formula.
NB-Lux is a free digital marketplace to buy media, supplements, and reagents. NB-Lux gives users the power to customize these solutions to meet the specifications important to their research.
NB-AIR is a paid platform that supports media formulation by leveraging AI to identify high-value media components and their effect on cell performance specific to cell types and CQAs. Formulations designed in NB-AIR are automatically stored on your free NB-Lux account.
We are happy to! Contact us to schedule a live online or in-person demonstration.
NB-ROC has only been tested with Dynabead activation.
NB-ROC can be customized through formulation services and licensing.
Though NB-ROC is sold in a default 1L bottle with a supplement, Nucleus Biologics is committed to bringing you media the way you need it — be it larger volumes, bags, or even pods. Contact us to discuss the customization of NB-ROC.
NB-AIR is an AI-enabled online platform that helps users design custom cell culture media. NB-AIR can scour thousands of peer-reviewed publications and generate data on how different components can affect selected critical quality attributes (CQAs) and recommend formulations that meet your needs. NB-AIR can expedite the formulation process and allow for accelerated testing of multiple pilot batches. Save your media and easily order on NB-Lux.
NB-AIR accounts can be purchased online when registering for a free NB-Lux account.
To get started, Visit NB-Lux and click "Log in or Sign up" on the top right corner of the page. Next, click "Sign up" and complete the basic information to set up your account. We appreciate any specifics about your role and research interests so we can tailor your experience. After inputting your information, tick the box "Sign up for NB-AIR" and then complete your registration by clicking "Sign Up". A Technical Sales Specialist will follow up to discuss any applicable package option and to process payment for your NB-AIR subscription.
If you already have your free NB-Lux account and want to purchase NB-AIR, contact us to be connected to your Technical Sales Specialist and they will get you registered.
For industry, an NB-AIR subscription costs $5,000 per year per user. For academic institutions, the subscription cost per user is $950 per year. Package options are available based on how many user accounts are purchased. Contact us to inquire about the different package options.
NB-AIR has been configured for some of the most popular cell lines that have numerous publications from which our AI can scrub data. Please let us know if you would like to add a new cell line and we will do our best to accommodate your request. To request a new cell line, contact us or reach out directly to your Technical Sales Specialist.
Component scores for critical quality attributes (CQA) are based on the quantity of research available for each CQA, how often the paper has been cited by other peer-reviewed journals, as well as the age of the paper.
NB-AIR outputs a matrix of formulas designed to test the effect of each selected component, as well as positive and negative control formulas. Users can select and purchase any or all of them.
NB-AIR can facilitate the formulation of media for any cell type; if your research involves the growth of cells, NB-AIR can be used to develop a custom media that targets critical quality attributes (CQAs) for your culture.
NB-Lux is a free digital marketplace to buy media, supplements, and reagents. NB-Lux gives users the power to customize these solutions to meet the specifications important to their research.
NB-AIR is a paid platform that supports media formulation by leveraging AI to identify high-value media components and their effect on cell performance specific to cell types and CQAs. Formulations designed in NB-AIR are automatically stored on your free NB-Lux account.
NB-AIR and NB-Lux are digital platforms that are integral parts of our complete ecosystem to help you accelerate your research. When designing your media in NB-AIR, your formula will be uploaded to NB-Lux where you can further configure your media, including volume, testing, components and concentrations, and packaging.
We are happy to! Contact us to schedule a live online or in-person demonstration.
Yes, modifications to the COA, as well as labels and other identifying documents is possible. Additional fees may apply depending on the level of customization requested. In NB-Lux, click "Ask Nucleus Biologics" to communicate additional customization needs.
Yes, cell culture media can be delivered in bottles, bags, or drums. Bags can be further customized — you can select ports per bag, tubing material, and more. Moreover, most media can be delivered in powder format in Krakatoa pods. Packaging options can be selected in NB-Lux, our online ordering and customization tool.
Cell culture media is available in ready-to-use liquid format. In addition, cell media can be delivered in powder format in biodegradable pods that can be used with the Krakatoa media maker.
They can be. For lots less than 26L, you can choose to manufacture your product as either Research Use Only or GMP grade during the ordering or quoting process. Lots greater than 26L are automatically manufactured at GMP grade. Nucleus Biologics adheres to strict quality protocols that align with GMP practices, but we provide a variety of products at different grade levels, including Research Use Only. Off-the-shelf products manufactured at GMP quality will be designated as such.
Yes. We ensure your data is stored securely with SSL encryption, multi-level authentication, and extensive firewall rules. Additionally, as with all services offered by Nucleus Biologics, your created and inputted formulas remain your intellectual property.
Yes. Select from a list of common proteins or add our serum replacement, Physiologix XF SR, for a ready-to-pipette complete media solution.
Yes. For each classical media we offer, we have a recommended formula. Simply select your packaging configuration, quality, and required testing prior to placing an order or requesting a quote.
Under the "Customize Formula" section, click the “+ Add a Custom Component” button and enter the Component Name, CAS Number, Manufacturer, Catalog Number, and Desired Concentration.
Basal media formulations exist in the public domain for anyone to use. In NB-Lux, users have the ability to start from a specific supplier's formula simply by inputting their catalog number, keyword, or cell type.
Additionally, Nucleus Biologics has specific recommended formulations we use for our classical media.
We have numerous webinars and videos available on our website on how to design and customize media using our easy-to-use cloud-based tools. If you would like to schedule a personal walkthrough of NB-AIR and/or NB-Lux, contact us to schedule a demo with one of our Technical Sales Specialists.
Visit our resources page to access our educational tools to learn more about our tools.
Vitronectin XF is a recombinant, extracellular matrix (ECM) that promotes cell proliferation, maintains pluripotency, and supports normal colony morphology for mesenchymal (MSC) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Vitronectin XF is xeno-free and supports cell growth and differentiation under serum-free, feeder-free conditions.
Custom cell culture media is media that is designed and modified to meet your cell model's unique needs.
In NB-Lux, users have the option to create a media from scratch — without any basal media or components loaded into the configurator. Therefore, you must add each component and select its grade and concentration.
Many of our clients build custom media using a traditional classical media as a base. The advantage of using our online configuration platform, NB-Lux, is that you can configure all components and concentrations as well as packaging exactly as you wish to order them. The exact combination of components and desired concentrations is often difficult to find at other suppliers.
Vitronectin XF is comprised of a single, defined, recombinant full-length human vitronectin sequence expressed under chemically-defined conditions.
Yes. When clicking "Order now," you will be navigated to NB-Lux, our online ordering and customization tool. In NB-Lux, you can add or remove components, adjust concentrations, select sizing and testing options, modify packaging configurations, and order your media.
Additional services like NB-AIR and Formulation Services offer media design and customization assistance.
If you prefer to work directly with one of our Technical Sales Specialist, contact us and a specialist will reach out to you to discuss your project.
Cell culture medium is a liquid or gel designed to support the growth and maintenance of a variety of cells and cell lines. Classical media are the first generation of cell culture media and have been used in labs for decades. Media contains inorganic salts, amino acids, vitamins, and other components needed for optimal cell growth.
Both products are extracellular matrices that support morphology, promote proliferation, and maintain pluripotency. However, key features such as the ability to use non-treated well plates, storing and using Vitronectin XF at room temperature, or the fact that Vitronectin XF is xeno-free and defined makes Vitronectin XF a great, easy-to-use choice that can simplify research and streamline regulatory compliance as you scale.
Learn more about the differences by viewing our infographic.
We recommend using the working solution up to 2 times.
We recommend that plates coated with Vitronectin XF are stored at 2-8°C.
In addition to Vitronectin XF, components needed for use are a dilution buffer, untreated polystyrene plasticware, and a cell dissociation buffer.
Formulation Services offers researchers the opportunity to focus on other goals while our expert scientists develop and deliver a complete formulation, custom-designed to address all your critical quality attributes (CQAs) specifically for your cell type and desired outcome.
Our digital platforms provide you with an unprecedented amount of control over your media. Despite the numerous tools available at your disposal, formulating custom media often requires knowledge only obtainable through experience. More than that, we see Formulation Services as a way for companies to increase their capacity by offloading time and resource-intensive tasks such as creating a formula from scratch, iterating, and refining.
Pricing and timelines are determined in an advanced, transparent, and detailed scope of work.
For the best results, it is highly recommended to send your own cells to Nucleus Biologics. If necessary, proxy cells can be used in certain conditions.
It is highly recommended for the best results to share your protocol. Nucleus Biologics is very experienced in dealing with highly sensitive information and works regularly under non-disclosure agreements. If necessary, a proxy protocol can be used.
We can manufacture liquid media, buffers, and balanced salt solutions in volumes of 2L to 2,000L. If you require smaller volumes, Krakatoa pods solubilize 500 mL of solution right on your benchtop with the Krakatoa media maker. Nucleus Biologics has the capacity to manufacture 2.5 million liters per year.
Yes. We ensure your data is stored securely with SSL encryption, multi-level authentication, and extensive firewall rules. Additionally, as with all services offered by Nucleus Biologics, your created and inputted formulas remain your intellectual property.
Nucleus Biologics can either return your cells or destroy them and provide a certificate of destruction.
Yes, any formula can be inputted into NB-Lux and stored in our system. Once your components and concentrations are entered, you can order your buffer or balanced salt solution in your desired configuration and quality.
Yes, you can request a specific manufacturer. Once you have completed customizing your media, you have the option to "Ask Nucleus Biologics," where you can input questions or special instructions specific to your formulation. Please try to be as specific and detailed as possible. We will try to accommodate reasonable requests if possible. Lead time and price quote will be reviewed and re-generated offline if there are changes.
Under the "Customize Formula" section, click the “+ Add a Custom Component” button and enter the Component Name, CAS Number, Manufacturer, Catalog Number, and Desired Concentration.
Nucleus Biologics is a premier manufacturer of custom media and biological solutions and can assist you in small lot or scale-up. We can manufacture liquid media and solutions from 2L up to 2,000L in RUO or GMP quality in our state-of-the-facilities. In addition, we can manufacture powder media, buffers, and balanced salts in pods (500 mL) for use on the Krakatoa media maker. Krakatoa pods are RUO quality.
Products are manufactured under GMP conditions and governed by strict adherence to an ISO 13485:2016-certified quality system.
We can accommodate many fully custom requests. Contact us or reach out directly to your Technical Sales Specialist to discuss your custom project.
Yes, you can order 10X stock of balanced salt solutions through NB-Lux.
A balanced salt solution is comprised of inorganic salts and serves to maintain pH and osmotic balance. A balanced salt solution is used when preparing complete cell culture medium and to wash or dilute cells.
A buffer is a solution consisting of a mixture of an acid and base. Buffer solutions can help cell cultures and liquids resist significant changes in pH levels.
When requested, Nucleus Biologics can provide an extensive technical data packet. A traditional DMF is not available at this time.
No, precipitation is normal and will not affect performance. If necessary, removal of precipitation is possible with filtration.
Physiologix can be customized as a service. Please contact us or reach out directly to your local Technical Sales Specialist to inquire about pricing and availability.
We recommend that media be supplemented with Physiologix at point of use to guarantee the highest efficacy. We do not recommend using media that has been supplemented with Physiologix after 30 days of storage. Physiologix, as a standalone, is stable for 365 days when stored frozen at ≤–70°C.
Nucleus Biologics uses transfusion-grade blood products obtained from qualified and approved vendors.
Physiologix has been used to grow a variety of immune and stem cells including HEK cells, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), T cells, and PBMCs.
Physiologix is a GMP, xeno-free media supplement made for stem cells and T cells that replaces fetal bovine serum (FBS) or human serum in cell culture media. Our serum replacement is extracted from transfusion-grade blood products.
No! Bring your requests and ideas. In addition to the menu of services to support your development, we can draft SOWs for your unique project, if feasible. Contact us to discuss your project and how we can support your needs.
Yes. We have experience with a number of common laboratory solutions from buffers and balanced salts to water for injection (WFI) and Ficoll. Bring your ideas and we will do our best to assist your project.
We have a total of 7 cleanrooms — a combination of ISO 7 and ISO 8 — that can manufacture liquid and powder (pods) cell culture media.
Both. Depending on where you are in your development, we will evaluate needs and recommend services that can include media formulation and optimization. Regardless of your stage of development, we can support your project.
NB-Lux is absolutely free. Visit NB-Lux and click "Log in or Sign up" on the top right corner of the page. Next, click "Sign up" and complete the basic information to set up your account. We appreciate any specifics about your role and research interests so we can tailor your experience.
Yes, you can build a custom media, buffer, or balanced salt solution in the platform without an account, but you won't see some important information like estimated price and lead time until you create one.
When signing up for an account, you have the option to select "Individual Account" or "Company Account." If you are collaborating with others in your institution, a company account will allow you to manage all of your formulations in one place, grant access to cross-functional team members, and create custom permissions for certain users.
If you did not set up a company account when first signing up for NB-Lux, don't worry. Contact us or reach out directly to your Technical Sales Specialist and we will get you set up.
NB-AIR accounts can be purchased online when registering for a free NB-Lux account.
To get started, Visit NB-Lux and click "Log in or Sign up" on the top right corner of the page. Next, click "Sign up" and complete the basic information to set up your account. We appreciate any specifics about your role and research interests so we can tailor your experience. After inputting your information, tick the box "Sign up for NB-AIR" and then complete your registration by clicking "Sign Up". A Technical Sales Specialist will follow up to discuss any applicable package option and to process payment for your NB-AIR subscription.
If you already have your free NB-Lux account and want to purchase NB-AIR, contact us to be connected to your Technical Sales Specialist and they will get you registered.
To edit your profile, go to NB-Lux and select your Account Name > View Profile. On the left side of the screen below your name, click on the "Edit Profile" button and easily edit your name, job title, and other critical information about your cell culture media needs. To update your email address, contact our tech support team to initiate this change.
To edit your shipping and billing address, go to NB-Lux and select your Account Name > View Profile > Addresses. To add a new address, click on "Add New Address," insert your new information, and click "Save." To archive an old address, click on the red trash can on the corner of the address card. When placing an order, you will have the option to select an applicable shipping and billing address.
Krakatoa comes with a limited 12-month warranty.
The Krakatoa User Manual addresses many topics on issues you may encounter while using Krakatoa. If you need further assistance, contact us to talk to our support team.
It is recommended to leave Krakatoa on at all times. When the instrument is in a resting state, very little power is consumed.
With the purchase of any Krakatoa device, you will receive a starter kit that includes three glass bottles, a biodegradable bag holder, biodegradable bags to collect your pods after use, and a pod evacuation tool. To request additional bottles or bags, contact us.
With every pod run, Krakatoa automatically generates a "Pod Activity Report." This report contains the details of solubilization and quality conformance or deviation.
Yes. If you define a target formula and wish to have that media produced in larger quantities, simply load the formula in NB-Lux and select "Liquid" for format. You can choose bottles, bags, or even drums for your packaging.
One. You can order a single pod if you wish.
Stability of a Krakatoa pod is defined by the powdered components. Since most media in pods are custom, requirements for storage may vary, but directions will be printed on the pod.
While the majority of pods can be stored at room temperature, there are some components users may add that necessitate cold storage and/or shipping. In these rare cases, you will be informed prior to shipment.
Krakatoa runs an internal self-cleaning cycle automatically after every pod run. No input is required from the user to initiate this sequence. External cleaning may be performed periodically in accordance with the guidelines in the user manual.
Krakatoa media is produced in a UV-sterilized chamber and sterile filtered through a 0.2 micron filter. The user must ensure that the glassware is clean, free of detergents, and properly autoclaved prior to dispensing media into the glass bottle to ensure sterility.
Typically less than 30 minutes from start to finish, though different formulas may vary slightly.
No. After inserting the pod and glass bottle, Krakatoa will run an automated pod run cycle and you do not need to be present for the solubilization stage of the pod run.
Currently, complete media in pods can only be acquired through Formulation Services. Please contact us to discuss your project with our team of expert scientists.
Currently, empty pods cannot be ordered for external use. Special accommodations can be made depending on your use case, so please do not hesitate to contact us.
Currently, we are working towards a pod-based version of NB-ROC. If you wish to order NB-ROC pods, please contact us or your local Technical Sales Specialist and inquire about availability.
Absolutely! In addition to classical and custom media, buffers and balanced salts are available in Krakatoa pods and can be customized to your exact specifications.
Although the majority of media are "podable", meaning it is okay to mix and store the mixture at room temperature, there are still a number of component mixtures we have not tested. Some pods may require a "podability" study to define if components are podable and to ensure consistent and high-quality outcomes. NB-Lux and your Technical Sales Specialist will advise if this is the case for your custom media project.
Cell culture media, buffers, and balanced salt solutions for Krakatoa can be purchased on NB-Lux, Nucleus Biologics' online customization and ordering platform. When on NB-Lux, select "Powder" in the "Format" section to purchase your media or reagent in a Krakatoa pod.
Krakatoa is manufactured by our sister company, Stoic Bio, and is distributed by Nucleus Biologics. Cell culture media and reagents for the Krakatoa media maker are manufactured by Nucleus Biologics.
Cryopreservation is the process of preserving cells, tissues, organs, or other biological materials at very low temperatures, suspending all biological activities and metabolic processes while avoiding damage caused by the formation of ice crystals during freezing. To achieve this, a cryopreservation media is needed. Cryopreservation media is a freeze media that consists of cryoprotective agents such as glycerol, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and propanediol in combination with salts, sugars, amino acids, proteins, and other compounds to maintain proper pH and osmotic balance.
Contact our sales team to request a sample of the base formula for available NB-KUL products.
Contact our sales team. After reviewing your project needs, they can coordinate a meeting with our scientific experts to customize and optimize your cryomedia or arrange for shipment of your order.
NB-KUL is a proprietary pre-optimized cryopreservation medium formula. Due to the nature of not being an off-the-shelf product, customers must schedule a meeting with our sales team to order or customize an NB-KUL product.
Currently, NB-KUL has been tested for the preservation of T cells, NK cells, MSCs, and HEK-293 cells. NB-KUL delivers equivalent or superior performance to industry-leading cryopreservation media.
Due to the custom nature of NB-KUL – customization of components, concentrations, packaging, testing, and quality – pricing is variable. Contact our sales team to request a quote.