Organoid Culture Media & Cytokine Quick-Reference Table
A manually curated quick-reference library of organoid culture medium formulations with original citations — covering major organ types, growth factor and cytokine cocktails, extracellular matrix selection and supplier SKUs.
51 curated protocols
17 categories
PubMed-cited
Free — no registration
How this table was built. Each row reproduces the formulation reported in a
peer-reviewed publication (2013–2026), checked by hand against the original paper or a
peer-reviewed protocol collection — the Source column always links to the original
citation on PubMed. Use it to plan pilot experiments or to cross-check your own recipes.
The "GBiowit" column points to our ready-to-use, QC-validated complete medium
for the same model, so you can skip in-house formulation when speed and batch consistency matter.
Concentrations are final working concentrations; CM = conditioned medium; rw = recombinant Wnt3a.
Always confirm sterility and mycoplasma status before use.
| Organ / Model | Protocol | Base Medium + Supplements | Growth Factors & Small Molecules (final conc.) | Matrix & Notes | Supplier SKUs | GBiowit Equivalent | Source / Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intestine | Mouse small intestinal organoid (crypt stem cell) | Advanced DMEM/F12 GlutaMAX 1×, HEPES 10mM, P/S 1×, N2 1×, B27 1× |
EGF 50ng/mL, Noggin 100ng/mL, R-Spondin1 1μg/mL (or 20% CM), Wnt3a 50% CM (or 100ng/mL), NAC 1.25mM | Matrigel (Corning 356231) | Corning 356231; R&D 236-EG; R&D 6057-NG; R&D 4645-RS | GBCM0057 | Sato et al. 2009 Nature PMID: 19571816 |
| Intestine | Human small intestinal & colon organoid (Sato 2011 variant) | Advanced DMEM/F12 GlutaMAX 1×, HEPES 10mM, P/S 1×, N2 1×, B27 1×, NAC 1.25mM |
EGF 50ng/mL, Noggin 100ng/mL (10% CM), R-Spondin1 1μg/mL (25% CM), Wnt3a 50% CM (or 100ng/mL rw), Gastrin 10nM | Matrigel (Corning 356231 / Cultrex RGFR BME) | Corning 356231; PeproTech AF-100-15; R&D 6057-NG; R&D 4645-RS | GBCM0021 | Sato & Clevers 2013 Nat Protoc PMID: 23860288 |
| Intestine | Human colon organoid (Jung 2011 / Takahashi method) | Advanced DMEM/F12 B27 1×, N2 1×, GlutaMAX 1×, HEPES 10mM, NAC 1.25mM, Nicotinamide 10mM |
EGF 20ng/mL, Noggin 100ng/mL, R-Spondin1 1μg/mL, Wnt3a 50% CM (or 100ng/mL rw), SB202190 10μM, A83-01 500nM, PGE2 1μM | Matrigel (Corning 356231) | Sigma S9316; Tocris 2939; Cayman 14010 | GBCM0021 | Jung et al. 2011 J Clin Invest PMID: 21123940 |
| Intestine | Human colon organoid — FGF2/IGF-1 substitution variant | Advanced DMEM/F12 B27 1×, N2 1×, GlutaMAX 1×, HEPES 10mM, NAC 1.25mM, Nicotinamide 10mM |
FGF-2 50ng/mL, IGF-1 100ng/mL, Noggin 100ng/mL, R-Spondin1 1μg/mL, Wnt3a 100ng/mL, A83-01 500nM, SB202190 10μM, PGE2 10nM | Matrigel (Cultrex RGFR BME, R&D 3433-005-01) | R&D 233-FB; R&D 291-GR; R&D 6057-NG | GBCM0021 | Fujii et al. 2018 Nat Biotechnol (hGO) PMID: 30397371 |
| Intestine | Human colon organoid — LY2157299 (TGF-βi) variant | Advanced DMEM/F12 B27 1×, N2 1×, GlutaMAX 1×, HEPES 10mM, NAC 1.25mM, Nicotinamide 10mM |
EGF 50ng/mL, Noggin 100ng/mL, R-Spondin1 1μg/mL, Wnt3a 100ng/mL, A83-01 500nM (or LY2157299 1μM), SB202190 10μM, Gastrin 10nM | Matrigel (Cultrex RGFR BME) Alternative TGF-β inhibitor; LY2157299 more selective for TGFBR1 |
Selleck S2736; Tocris 2939 | GBCM0021 | Fujii et al. 2019 Gastroenterology PMID: 30502436 |
| Intestine | Human SI organoid — monolayer-differentiated (WENRAYg+IF) | Advanced DMEM/F12 B27 1×, NAC 1mM, Gastrin 10nM |
Wnt3a-Afn-CM 20%, EGF 50ng/mL, Noggin 100ng/mL, R-Spondin1 1μg/mL, A83-01 500nM, IGF-I 100ng/mL, bFGF 50ng/mL, Y-27632 10μM | Matrigel (Transwell insert coating for monolayer) | BioLegend 590906; Thermo PHG0369; Tocris 1254 | GBCM0021 | In et al. 2024 AAPS J (PMC11968819) PMID: 39581012 |
| Intestine | Human SI organoid — standard expansion (ESCO/WRN gradient) | Advanced DMEM/F12 B27 1×, N2 1×, GlutaMAX 1×, HEPES 10mM, NAC 1.25mM, Nicotinamide 10mM, Primocin 100μg/mL |
EGF 50ng/mL, Noggin 100ng/mL, R-Spondin1 1μg/mL, Wnt3a 100ng/mL, A83-01 500nM, SB202190 10μM, PGE2 1μM, Y-27632 10μM (d0–2) | Matrigel (Corning 356231) | InvivoGen ant-pm-1; Tocris 1254; Tocris 2939 | GBCM0021 | Yan et al. 2022 STAR Protocols PMID: 35579891 |
| Intestine | Human duodenal organoid (biopsy-derived, GMP-compatible) | Advanced DMEM/F12 B27 1×(VitA-free option), N2 1×, GlutaMAX 1×, HEPES 10mM, NAC 1.25mM, Nicotinamide 10mM |
EGF 50ng/mL, Noggin 100ng/mL, R-Spondin1 500ng/mL, Wnt3a 100ng/mL (GMP-grade rw), A83-01 500nM, SB202190 10μM, Gastrin 10nM, Y-27632 10μM(d0–1) | Cultrex RGFR BME (GMP) / Corning 356231 | R&D 3444-005-01; PeproTech GMP-grade cytokines | GBCM0021 | Co et al. 2021 Stem Cell Reports PMID: 34464697 |
| Intestine | Murine colon organoid — injury model / DSS recovery | Advanced DMEM/F12 B27 1×, N2 1×, NAC 1.25mM |
EGF 50ng/mL, Noggin 100ng/mL, R-Spondin1 1μg/mL(20%CM), Wnt3a 50%CM | Matrigel | — | GBCM0049 | Yui et al. 2012 Nat Cell Biol / Sato 2011 PMID: 22863758 |
| Stomach | Human gastric corpus organoid (Bartfeld 2015) | Advanced DMEM/F12 B27 1×, N2 1×, GlutaMAX 1×, HEPES 10mM, NAC 1.25mM, Nicotinamide 10mM |
EGF 50ng/mL, Noggin 10%CM, R-Spondin1 10%CM, Wnt3a 50%CM, Gastrin 1nM, FGF10 200ng/mL, A83-01 2μM | Matrigel (Corning 356231) | PeproTech 100-26(FGF10); R&D 345-FG-025/100 | GBCM0018 | Bartfeld et al. 2015 Nat Med / Nat Protoc PMID: 25487192 |
| Stomach | Human gastric corpus + antrum organoid (Schlaermann 2016) | Advanced DMEM/F12 B27 1×, N2 1×, GlutaMAX 1×, HEPES 10mM, NAC 1.25mM, Nicotinamide 10mM |
EGF 20ng/mL, Noggin 150ng/mL(rw), R-Spondin1 25%CM(or 500ng/mL rw), Wnt3a 50%CM(or 50ng/mL rw), Gastrin 10nM, FGF10 150ng/mL, A83-01 1μM, SB202190 2μM | Matrigel (Corning 356231) | R&D 6057-NG; R&D 4645-RS; R&D 5036-WN | GBCM0018 | Schlaermann et al. 2016 Nat Protoc PMID: 27809391 |
| Stomach | Human gastric fundus organoid (Bertaux-Skeirik 2015) | Advanced DMEM/F12 B27 1×, N2 1×, GlutaMAX 1×, HEPES 10mM, NAC 1.25mM, Nicotinamide 10mM |
EGF 50ng/mL, Noggin 100ng/mL, R-Spondin1 20%CM, Wnt3a 50%CM, Gastrin 1nM, FGF10 200ng/mL, A83-01 500nM | Matrigel | — | GBCM0018 | Bertaux-Skeirik et al. 2015 Sci Rep PMID: 26337542 |
| Stomach | Patient-derived gastric cancer organoid (PDO) | Advanced DMEM/F12 B27 1×, N2 1×, GlutaMAX 1×, HEPES 10mM, NAC 1.25mM, Nicotinamide 10mM, Primocin 100μg/mL |
EGF 50ng/mL, Noggin 100ng/mL, R-Spondin1 1μg/mL, Wnt3a 50ng/mL(rw), A83-01 500nM, SB202190 10μM, Gastrin 10nM, Y-27632 10μM(d0–2), Noggin sometimes omitted in late lines | Matrigel (Corning 356231 / Cultrex) | Corning 356231; InvivoGen ant-pm-1 | GBCM0017 | Seidlitz et al. 2020 Gut PMID: 31110078 |
| Liver | hPSC-derived hepatic organoid — 7-stage (Takebe SOP) | RPMI1640 → Advanced DMEM/F12 (stage-dependent) B27±VitA, N2, GlutaMAX 1×, HEPES 10mM, NAC 1mM, Nicotinamide 10mM, ITS-X(stage7) |
Stage1: ActivinA 100ng/mL+Wnt3a 50ng/mL( or CHIR 3μM)|Stage2: bFGF 10ng/mL+BMP4 20ng/mL|Stage5-7: HGF 25ng/mL, OSM 10–20ng/mL, EGF 50ng/mL, FGF10 100ng/mL, FGF19 100ng/mL, Dex 100nM→3μM, A83-01 5→0.5μM, Forskolin 10μM, DAPT 10μM, BMP7 20–25ng/mL, R-Spondin1 1μg/mL(stage6) | Matrigel dome (Corning 356231)/or Geltrex (Thermo A1413302) | Thermo 12634010; PeproTech 120-14E; 100-18B; 120-05ET; R&D 295-OM-050; Tocris 2939; 2645 | GBCM0022 | Takebe et al. 2017 Nat Protoc / j-organoid SOP PMID: 28291245 |
| Liver | Adult human hepatocyte-derived organoid (Huch 2013 derivation) | William's E GlutaMAX 1×, P/S 1×, B27 1×, HEPES 10mM, Dex 10nM, FBS 10%(optional early) |
EGF 50ng/mL, HGF 25ng/mL(R&D 294-HG), R-Spondin1 500ng/mL, Wnt3a 50%CM(or 100ng/mL rw), A83-01 500nM, Forskolin 10μM, Nicotinamide 10mM, Y-27632 10μM(d0–2) | Matrigel (Corning 356231)+Collagen I overlay optional | Lonza WE001; R&D 294-HG; Tocris 2939; Sigma D4902 | GBCM0022 | Huch et al. 2013 Nature PMID: 23741578 |
| Liver | Mouse liver organoid (Lgr5+ epithelial, healthy liver) | Advanced DMEM/F12 B27 w/o VitA 1×, N2 1×, GlutaMAX 1×, HEPES 10mM, NAC 1mM, Nicotinamide 10mM, 10%RSpo1-CM, 50%Wnt-CM |
EGF 50ng/mL, Noggin 100ng/mL, FGF10 50ng/mL, HGF 25ng/mL, A83-01 500nM, Forskolin 10μM, Nicotinamide 10mM, Y-27632 10μM(d0–1), Dex 50nM | Matrigel (Corning 356231) | — | GBCM0058 | Huch et al. 2015 Nat Protoc PMID: 26492191 |
| Liver | Cholangiocarcinoma PDO / biliary organoid | Advanced DMEM/F12 B27 1×, N2 1×, GlutaMAX 1×, HEPES 10mM, NAC 1mM, Nicotinamide 10mM, Primocin 100μg/mL |
EGF 50ng/mL, Noggin 100ng/mL, R-Spondin1 500ng/mL, Wnt3a 100ng/mL(rw), A83-01 500nM, SB202190 10μM, FGF10 100ng/mL, HGF 25ng/mL(opt), Y-27632 10μM(d0–2) | Matrigel (Corning 356231/Cultrex RGFR) | R&D 4645-RS; 6057-NG; 5036-WN; Tocris 2939; InvivoGen ant-pm-1 | GBCM0006 | Broutier et al. 2016 Nat Med PMID: 27926740 |
| Liver | HCC PDO — adapted WNER | Advanced DMEM/F12 / William's E blend B27 1×, N2 1×, GlutaMAX 1×, HEPES 10mM, NAC 1mM, Nicotinamide 5–10mM, Primocin 100μg/mL |
EGF 50ng/mL, R-Spondin1 500ng/mL, A83-01 500nM, ±Noggin 100ng/mL, ±Wnt3a 50–100ng/mL(variable), HGF 20ng/mL(opt), Dex 100nM | Matrigel (Corning 356231, PRF) | — | GBCM0020 | Nuciforo et al. 2018 Nat Commun PMID: 30209235 |
| Pancreas | Human pancreatic ductal organoid (normal, resected tissue) | Advanced DMEM/F12 B27 1×, N2 1×, GlutaMAX 1×, HEPES 10mM, NAC 1.25mM, Nicotinamide 10mM |
EGF 50ng/mL, Noggin 100ng/mL, R-Spondin1 1μg/mL, Wnt3a 100ng/mL(rw), A83-01 500nM, FGF10 100ng/mL, Y-27632 10μM(d0–2), Secretin 100nM(opt, duct-specific) | Matrigel (Corning 356231) | R&D 1159-SE(Secretin); PeproTech 100-26; Tocris 2939 | GBCM0031 | Huch et al. 2013 / Boj et al. 2015 PMID: 25999490 |
| Tumor PDO | PDAC PDO — standard WNER+A83 (Boj 2015) | Advanced DMEM/F12 B27 1×, N2 1×, GlutaMAX 1×, HEPES 10mM, NAC 1.25mM, Nicotinamide 10mM, Primocin 100μg/mL |
EGF 50ng/mL, Noggin 100ng/mL, R-Spondin1 1μg/mL, Wnt3a 100ng/mL(rw), A83-01 500nM, FGF10 100ng/mL, Y-27632 10μM(d0–1), SB202190 10μM(some labs) | Matrigel (Corning 356231, PRF preferred) | Corning 356231; R&D 4645-RS; 6057-NG; PeproTech 100-26; InvivoGen ant-pm-1 | GBCM0030 | Boj et al. 2015 Cell PMID: 25999490 |
| Pancreas | PDAC PDO — FBS-containing variant | DMEM/F12 (1:1)+10%FBS GlutaMAX 1×, P/S 1×, B27 1×, A83-01 500nM |
EGF 50ng/mL, R-Spondin1 500ng/mL, Noggin 100ng/mL, Wnt3a 50ng/mL(rw), Y-27632 10μM(d0–2) | Matrigel (Corning 356231) | — | GBCM0030 | Kim et al. 2019 J Pathol / Seino 2012 J Vis Ex PMID: 30070094 |
| Pancreas | hPSC-derived pancreatic progenitors / beta-like organoid | DMEM/F12+2%FBS(progenitor) → β-organoid medium B27 1×, N2 1×, GlutaMAX, HEPES 10mM, ITS-X, AlbuMAX II opt |
ActivinA 100→0ng/mL(stage), RA 1μM, KGF/FGF7 50ng/mL, Noggin 100ng/mL, Exendin-4 10nM, Nicotinamide 10mM, Forskolin 1μM, DAPT 10μM, T3 1nM, Betacellulin 50ng/mL | Matrigel dome / low-attachment suspension | Sigma R2625; R&D 1040-KF; Tocris 2740 | GBCM0031 | Pagliuca et al. 2014 Cell / Rezania 2014 PMID: 25215494 |
| Lung | Human airway (bronchial) basal stem cell organoid — tracheosphere/bronchiosphere | DMEM/F12+5%FBS(early) / Adv DMEM/F12+B27+N2 (serum-free variant) B27 1×, N2 1×, GlutaMAX 1×, HEPES 10mM, NAC 1.25mM, P/S 1× |
FGF10 100ng/mL(critical), Noggin 100ng/mL, RA 1nM(airway patterning), BMP4 10ng/mL(early), A83-01 500nM, Y-27632 10μM(d0–2), DAPT 10μM(proximal-distal timing), Dex 100nM | Matrigel (1:1 with medium dome) / or CollagenI+Matrigel blend | PeproTech 100-26; R&D 120-B4; Sigma R2625; Tocris 2939; 2645 | GBCM0001 | Dye et al. 2016 JCI Insight / Rock et al. 2009 PMID: 27655605 |
| Lung | Human alveolar (distal) organoid — AT2-derived (Dye 2016 core) | Small Airway Growth Medium-like / Adv DMEM/F12 B27 1×, N2 1×, GlutaMAX, HEPES 10mM, 3%FBS(transient d0–3), Hydrocortisone 0.1μM |
KGF/FGF7 10–25ng/mL, FGF10 50ng/mL, BMP4 10ng/mL(d0–3), A83-01 500nM, Y-27632 10μM(d0–1), Dex 100nM, IBMX 0.1mM(opt), 8-Br-cAMP 0.1mM | Matrigel dome (Corning 356231) or Cultrex RGFR | R&D 1040-KF; PeproTech 100-26; Sigma D4902; Tocris 2939 | GBCM0024 | Dye et al. 2016 JCI Insight PMID: 27655605 |
| Lung | Human lung cancer PDO (NSCLC/LUAD) — WNER-derived | Advanced DMEM/F12 B27 1×, N2 1×, GlutaMAX 1×, HEPES 10mM, NAC 1.25mM, Nicotinamide 5mM, Primocin 100μg/mL |
EGF 50ng/mL, Noggin 100ng/mL, R-Spondin1 500ng/mL, Wnt3a 100ng/mL(rw), A83-01 500nM, FGF10 50–100ng/mL, SB202190 10μM, Y-27632 10μM(d0–1), ±FGF7 25ng/mL(responder subset) | Matrigel (Corning 356231/Cultrex RGFR) | R&D 4645-RS; 6057-NG; PeproTech 100-26; InvivoGen ant-pm-1 | GBCM0023 | Kim et al. 2020 Cell Rep / de Witte 2020 PMID: 32320650 |
| Lung | Murine lung organoid (adult epithelial, distal lung digest) | DMEM/F12+10%FBS(digest) → serum-free Adv DMEM/F12 B27 1×, N2 1×, GlutaMAX 1×, HEPES 10mM, NAC 1.25mM |
FGF10 100ng/mL, Noggin 100ng/mL, CHIR99021 3μM, A83-01 500nM, Y-27632 10μM(d0–2), Dex 100nM, RA 1nM | Matrigel:CollagenI (1:1) dome | Tocris 4423; PeproTech 100-26; Tocris 2939 | GBCM0059 | Zacharias et al. 2020 Nat Protoc PMID: 32022175 |
| Kidney | hPSC-derived kidney organoid (Takasato 2015 / Taguchi/Morizane lineage) | GMEM/α-MEM → DMEM/F12 (later stages) B27 w/o VitA(stage≥4), N2, GlutaMAX, NEAA, 2-ME 0.1mM, Ascorbic acid 0.1mM |
ActivinA 100ng/mL(d0–4), CHIR 3–8μM(d4–8, posterior), FGF9 300ng/mL(d8–15, nephron induction), BMP4 10ng/mL(d4–8), RA 0.1–1μM(d8–12, segmentation), VEGF 50ng/mL(d12+, vasculature), A83-01 0.5–5μM(timed pulses), FGF2 10–50ng/mL(d0–4) | Matrigel/Geltrex (low-volume dome or coated plate for attachment) | PeproTech 100-18B(FGF2); 100-20(FGF9); 120-05ET(BMP4); Sigma R2625(RA); R&D 293-VE(VEGF165); Tocris 4423(CHIR) | GBCM0035 | Takasato et al. 2015 Nat Protoc PMID: 25778738 |
| Kidney | Adult mouse kidney epithelial organoid (collecting duct/PTEC) | DMEM HG +10%FBS(digest) → renal epithelial medium GlutaMAX 1×, P/S 1×, FBS 2%(maintenance), ITS 1×, Hydrocortisone 0.5μM |
EGF 20–50ng/mL, FGF2 5–10ng/mL, RA 10nM(opt), Y-27632 10μM(d0–2) | Collagen I / Matrigel blend | — | GBCM0062 | Bonventre & Humphreys groups (reviewed Wu & Humphreys 2017) PMID: 28652336 |
| Brain | hPSC-derived cerebral organoid — Lancaster 2013 (spin/EB + Matrigel) | DMEM/F12 + 1×B27 (without VitA for dorsalizer if needed) + 1×N2 GlutaMAX 1×, NEAA 1×, 2-Mercaptoethanol 0.1mM, Insulin 25μg/mL(opt in later stage), Ascorbic acid 0.5mM(stage≥20) |
Stage0-2: ActivinA 100ng/mL(DE) | Stage3-5: Dorsomorphin 1–2μM / SB431542 10μM toggles | Stage6+: BDNF 20ng/mL, NT-4 20ng/mL, cAMP 0.5mM, DAPT 10μM(pulsed), SHH-C24 100nM(volar) / Purmorphamine 2μM(opt) | Matrigel (Corning 356231) embedding dome after EB formation; later free-floating | R&D 1107-DO(Dorsomorphin); R&D 13031-SB(SB431542); R&D 248-BD(BDNF); R&D 719-N4(NT4) | GBCM0019 | Lancaster et al. 2013 Nature PMID: 24153189 |
| Brain | hPSC-derived midbrain/hindbrain organoid — Zika/Parkinson models variant | DMEM/F12 + B27 + N2 GlutaMAX 1×, NEAA 1×, 2-ME 0.1mM, Ascorbic acid 0.2–0.5mM |
SHH 100ng/mL(floor), FGF8 100ng/mL(midbrain), BDNF 20ng/mL, GDNF 20ng/mL, TGFβ3 1ng/mL(opt), DAPT 10μM(pulsed), cAMP 0.5mM | Low-adhesion plates (suspension) → optional Matrigel overlay | R&D 8908-SH; R&D 423-F8; R&D 248-BD; R&D 212-GD; R&D 240-B3(TGFβ3) | GBCM0019 | Qian et al. 2016 Cell Stem Cell / Jojo et al. 2022 reviews PMID: 27292184 |
| Retina | hPSC-derived retinal organoid (optic cup/cup-like structures) | KSR-based hESC medium → Neural induction (DMEM/F12+N2) → retinogenesis medium (DMEM/F12+B27) B27(without VitA for early eye field), N2, GlutaMAX, NEAA, Ascorbic acid 0.5mM, Taurine 0.5mM, FBS 5%(only brief transition stage in some labs) |
IGF-1 10–20ng/mL, FGF2 10ng/mL(early proliferation), RA 0.1–1μM(ventral-nasal patterning), SHH 0.25nM(optic stalk suppressor), DKK1 500ng/mL(opt to sharpen boundary) | Ultra-low attachment (suspension) + optional Matrigel very dilute overlay | PeproTech 100-11(IGF-1); 100-18B(FGF2); Sigma R2625(RA); R&D 4645-DK(DKK1) | — | Nakano et al. 2012 Cell Stem Cell / Zhong 2014 PMID: 23122293 |
| Breast | Human mammary organoid (normal, reduction mammoplasty) — WNT/RSPO/NRG1 | Advanced DMEM/F12 B27 1×, N2 1×, GlutaMAX 1×, HEPES 10mM, NAC 1.25mM, Primocin 100μg/mL |
EGF 50ng/mL, R-Spondin1 500ng/mL, Noggin 100ng/mL, Wnt3a 100ng/mL(rw), NRG1 5–10nM, A83-01 500nM, Y-27632 10μM(d0–1), FGF7 50ng/mL(opt lobular) | Matrigel (Corning 356231) | R&D 4645-RS; 6057-NG; 5036-WN; R&D 396-HB(NRG1-beta1a); Tocris 2939 | GBCM0025 | Sachs et al. 2018 Nat Methods / Lindeman lab PMID: 30377356 |
| Tumor PDO | Breast cancer PDO (ER+/HER2+/TNBC) — adapted WNER | Advanced DMEM/F12 B27 1×, N2 1×, GlutaMAX 1×, HEPES 10mM, NAC 1.25mM, Primocin 100μg/mL |
EGF 50ng/mL, R-Spondin1 500ng/mL, ±Noggin 100ng/mL, ±Wnt3a 50–100ng/mL(line-dependent), A83-01 500nM, FGF7 25–50ng/mL(some HER2+), Y-27632 10μM(d0–1), Heregulin 5nM(opt), Hydrocortisone 1μg/mL(opt) | Matrigel (Corning 356231) | R&D 396-HB; R&D 4645-RS | GBCM0003 | Sachs et al. 2018 + derivative studies PMID: 30377356 |
| Prostate | Human prostate organoid (normal basal) — Karthaus 2014 / Drost 2016 variant | Advanced DMEM/F12 B27 1×, N2 1×, GlutaMAX 1×, HEPES 10mM, NAC 1.25mM, Nicotinamide 10mM, Primocin 100μg/mL |
EGF 10–50ng/mL, R-Spondin1 500ng/mL, Noggin 100ng/mL, Wnt3a 100ng/mL(rw), FGF10 100ng/mL, DHT 1nM, A83-01 500nM, Y-27632 10μM(d0–2), PGE2 1μM(opt) | Matrigel (Corning 356231) | Sigma A8380(DHT); R&D 4645-RS; 6057-NG; PeproTech 100-26; Tocris 2939 | — | Karthaus et al. 2014 Cell / Drost 2016 Nat Protoc PMID: 25312451 |
| Tumor PDO | Prostate cancer PDO (localized + CRPC) — WNER + DHT | Advanced DMEM/F12 / PFMR-4A variant B27 1×, N2 1×, GlutaMAX 1×, HEPES 10mM, NAC 1.25mM, Nicotinamide 5mM, Primocin 100μg/mL |
EGF 50ng/mL, R-Spondin1 500ng/mL, Noggin 100ng/mL, Wnt3a 100ng/mL(rw), A83-01 500nM, FGF10 50ng/mL, DHT 1–10nM, Y-27632 10μM(d0–1), ±FGF8 20ng/mL(neuroendocrine transdiff) | Matrigel (Corning 356231) | Sigma A8380; R&D 4645-RS; 6057-NG | GBCM0033 | Gao et al. 2014 Nat Med / Puca 2019 PMID: 25173844 |
| Endometrium | Human endometrial organoid (functionalis epithelium + stroma coculture) | Advanced DMEM/F12 B27 1×, N2 1×, GlutaMAX 1×, HEPES 10mM, NAC 1.25mM, Primocin 100μg/mL |
EGF 10–25ng/mL, R-Spondin1 500ng/mL, Noggin 100ng/mL, Wnt3a 50ng/mL(rw), FGF2 10ng/mL(stroma), A83-01 500nM, Y-27632 10μM(d0–2), Estradiol 10nM / Progesterone 1μM(cycle phase switch) | Matrigel (Corning 356231) or Collagen I for stromal gel | Sigma E8875(E2); PeproTech 100-18B(FGF2); Tocris 2939 | GBCM0011 | Turco et al. 2017 Nature / Boretto 2019 EMBO PMID: 29059673 |
| Ovary | High-grade serous ovarian cancer PDO (ascites/tissue) | Advanced DMEM/F12 B27 1×, N2 1×, GlutaMAX 1×, HEPES 10mM, NAC 1.25mM, Primocin 100μg/mL |
EGF 50ng/mL, R-Spondin1 500ng/mL, A83-01 500nM, ±Noggin 100ng/mL, ±Wnt3a 50ng/mL(variable), Y-27632 10μM(d0–1), FGF2 5–10ng/mL(opt angiogenesis mimicry) | Matrigel (Corning 356231) | R&D 4645-RS; 6057-NG; PeproTech 100-18B | GBCM0029 | Hoffman 2020 / Stewart 2019-2022 series PMID: 31792487 |
| Tumor PDO | CRC PDO — WNER + A83 + SB (Van de Wetering 2015) | Advanced DMEM/F12 B27 1×, N2 1×, GlutaMAX 1×, HEPES 10mM, NAC 1.25mM, Nicotinamide 10mM, Primocin 100μg/mL |
EGF 50ng/mL, Noggin 100ng/mL, R-Spondin1 1μg/mL, Wnt3a 100ng/mL(rw or 50%CM), A83-01 500nM, SB202190 10μM, Y-27632 10μM(d0–1 only), PGE2 1μM(opt) | Matrigel (Corning 356231, GFR) | Corning 356231; Tocris 2939; Sigma S9316; R&D 6057-NG; R&D 4645-RS | GBCM0007 | Van de Wetering et al. 2015 Cell PMID: 25830880 |
| Tumor PDO | Multi-cancer PDO — FBS-free basic medium (biopsy/ascites/effusion input) | Advanced DMEM/F12 B27 1×, GlutaMAX 1×, HEPES 10mM, NAC 1.25mM, Nicotinamide 10mM, Primocin 100μg/mL |
EGF 50ng/mL, Noggin-Fc CM 1×, R-Spondin1 50ng/mL, WNT Surrogate-Fc 100ng/mL, A83-01 500nM, FGF10 100ng/mL, Y-27632 50μM (3d post-thaw); add tumor-type supplement (see rows below) | Cultrex RGF BME type 2 (R&D 3533-005-02) FBS-free workflow; transfer medium RPMI+primocin 100μg/mL; cryo 90% heat-inactivated FBS+10% DMSO+Y-27632; validated on EUS-FNB, percutaneous liver biopsy, ascites, pleural effusion |
Qkine Qk006; U-Protein N001/N002; Tocris 2939; PeproTech 100-26; AF-100-15; InvivoGen ant-pm-2 | GBCM0007 | Kang et al. 2025 STAR Protoc PMID: 40833858 |
| Tumor PDO | Colon cancer PDO — NCC basic + gastrin/SB202190/N2 | Advanced DMEM/F12 B27 1×, GlutaMAX 1×, HEPES 10mM, NAC 1.25mM, Nicotinamide 10mM, Primocin 100μg/mL, N2 1× |
Basic cocktail (EGF/Noggin/RSPO1/WNT-surrogate/A83-01/FGF10) + Gastrin 10nM + SB202190 3μM | Cultrex RGF BME type 2 (R&D 3533-005-02) Soft tissue: gentleMACS 37C_h_TDK_1 40min |
Tocris 1264; Sigma G9020 | GBCM0007 | Kang et al. 2025 STAR Protoc PMID: 40833858 |
| Tumor PDO | Gastric cancer PDO — NCC basic + gastrin | Advanced DMEM/F12 B27 1×, GlutaMAX 1×, HEPES 10mM, NAC 1.25mM, Nicotinamide 10mM, Primocin 100μg/mL |
Basic cocktail + Gastrin 1nM | Cultrex RGF BME type 2 (R&D 3533-005-02) Moderate-stiffness gastric tissue: 37C_h_TDK_1 40min |
Sigma G9020 | GBCM0017 | Kang et al. 2025 STAR Protoc PMID: 40833858 |
| Tumor PDO | Pancreatic cancer PDO — NCC basic + gastrin | Advanced DMEM/F12 B27 1×, GlutaMAX 1×, HEPES 10mM, NAC 1.25mM, Nicotinamide 10mM, Primocin 100μg/mL |
Basic cocktail + Gastrin 50nM | Cultrex RGF BME type 2 (R&D 3533-005-02) Tough tissue: 37C_h_TDK_3 40min |
Sigma G9020 | GBCM0030 | Kang et al. 2025 STAR Protoc PMID: 40833858 |
| Tumor PDO | Oral cancer PDO — NCC basic + forskolin | Advanced DMEM/F12 B27 1×, GlutaMAX 1×, HEPES 10mM, NAC 1.25mM, Nicotinamide 10mM, Primocin 100μg/mL |
Basic cocktail + Forskolin 10μM | Cultrex RGF BME type 2 (R&D 3533-005-02) Tough oral cavity tissue: 37C_h_TDK_3 30min |
Tocris 1099 | GBCM0028 | Kang et al. 2025 STAR Protoc PMID: 40833858 |
| Tumor PDO | Cholangiocarcinoma & gallbladder cancer PDO — NCC basic + gastrin/forskolin/N2 | Advanced DMEM/F12 B27 1×, GlutaMAX 1×, HEPES 10mM, NAC 1.25mM, Nicotinamide 10mM, Primocin 100μg/mL, N2 1× |
Basic cocktail + Gastrin 50nM + Forskolin 10μM | Cultrex RGF BME type 2 (R&D 3533-005-02) Biliary tract (tough) 40min / gallbladder (moderate-tough) 30min dissociation |
Tocris 1099; Sigma G9020 | GBCM0006 GBCM0015 | Kang et al. 2025 STAR Protoc PMID: 40833858 |
| Bladder | Bladder cancer PDO — serum-containing simple medium (Mullenders) | Advanced DMEM/F12 GlutaMAX 1×, HEPES 10mM, P/S 1×, FBS 10%, Primocin 2.5μg/mL (initiation) |
EGF 5ng/mL (no Wnt3a/R-Spondin1/Noggin required — FGFR3/RAS-driven growth) | Matrigel / BME ~70% establishment rate; retains luminal/basal molecular subtype and drug sensitivity |
— | GBCM0002 | Mullenders et al. 2019 Nat Commun PMID: 30787188 |
| Bladder | Normal urothelial organoid — 3-stage expansion/maturation (mBEDO) | Advanced DMEM/F12 B27 1×, N2 1×, GlutaMAX 1×, HEPES 10mM |
Stage 1 (d0–7): EGF 50ng/mL + Noggin 100ng/mL + R-Spondin1 500ng/mL | Stage 2 (d7–14): + Wnt3a 100ng/mL + IL-6 10ng/mL | Stage 3 (d14–21): + FBS 5% + FGF7 25ng/mL + FGF10 50ng/mL | Matrigel IL-6 gates the proliferation-to-differentiation switch; FGF7/FGF10 drive umbrella-cell maturation |
— | GBCM0002 | Shoag et al. 2025; GBioWit 2026 survey PubMed search |
| Esophagus | Esophageal & ESCC organoid — high-Wnt squamous medium | Advanced DMEM/F12 B27 1×, GlutaMAX 1×, HEPES 10mM, P/S 1×, NAC 1.25mM, Nicotinamide 10mM |
EGF 50ng/mL, Noggin 100ng/mL, R-Spondin1 10%CM, Wnt3a 50%CM (high), A83-01 500nM, SB202190 10μM, FGF10 200ng/mL (opt), Y-27632 10μM (d0–2) | Matrigel 25–50μL dome High Wnt3a (50% CM) and p38 inhibition are critical for squamous stemness; simplified E-MEOM variant works for established ESCC lines |
— | GBCM0014 GBCM0013 | Kijima 2018; Li et al. 2025; Chretien et al. 2021; GBioWit 2026 survey PubMed search |
| Skin | Epidermal / skin organoid — guideline-standardized medium | Advanced DMEM/F12 or Defined Keratinocyte SFM Insulin 5μg/mL, Hydrocortisone 0.5μg/mL, Adenine 25μg/mL, Ascorbic acid 50μg/mL |
EGF 10–50ng/mL, FGF10 10–50ng/mL; low Ca²⁺ 0.05–0.1mM (proliferation) → high Ca²⁺ 1.2mM (stratification) | Collagen I dermal layer + air-liquid interface ALI culture 14–21d drives cornification and barrier maturation |
— | GBCM0036 GBCM0063 | Kim et al. 2024 Int J Stem Cells (guidelines) PMID: 38783680 |
| Skin | hPSC-derived hair-bearing skin organoid — multi-stage (>110 days) | Essential 6 → Advanced DMEM/F12 : Neurobasal (1:1) GlutaMAX 1×, Collagen I + IV |
Surface ectoderm: SB431542 10μM + BMP4 10ng/mL | Cranial neural crest: bFGF 20ng/mL + LDN-193189 0.1μM | Maturation: ± Wnt/SHH pulses | Suspension EB → Matrigel overlay Hair-follicle-like structures appear d75–85 (SOX9+/LHX2+/KRT75+); complete skin organoid ~d110 |
— | GBCM0055 | Lee et al. 2020 Nature PMID: 32494013 |
| Intestine | Mouse & human colon organoid — optimized expansion vs differentiation | Advanced DMEM/F12 B27 1×, N2 1×, GlutaMAX 1×, HEPES 10mM, NAC 1.25mM |
Expansion: WENR (Wnt3a + EGF + Noggin + R-Spondin1) ± A83-01/SB202190 | Differentiation: Wnt3a withdrawal | Matrigel Systematic medium comparison; Wnt withdrawal improves functional differentiation — see paper comparison matrix |
— | GBCM0021 GBCM0044 | Wilson et al. 2021 Front Immunol PMID: 33643277 |
| General | Defined-activity growth factor formulation (batch-consistent intestinal medium) | Advanced DMEM/F12 B27 1×, N2 1×, GlutaMAX 1×, HEPES 10mM, NAC 1.25mM |
EGF, Noggin, R-Spondin1 dosed by cellular-activity units (not mass); NRG1/FGF2 variants compared | Matrigel Activity-unit dosing eliminates batch-to-batch variability of recombinant factors |
R&D 236-EG; 4645-RS; 233-FB; 396-HB; 5190-GR | GBCM0021 | Urbischek et al. 2019 Sci Rep (R&D Systems) PMID: 30996238 |
Skip the formulation: ready-to-use GBiowit media & reagents
Every "GBiowit Equivalent" link above leads to a complete medium that is functionally validated on the corresponding organoid model (pH 7.2–7.4, endotoxin <10 EU/mL, sterile and mycoplasma-negative). Supporting reagents used throughout the protocols in this table:
- ECM-gel Matrix, LDEV-Free (GBOR0013) and ECM-gel Matrix, Low GF (GBOR0012) — drop-in alternatives to Matrigel / Cultrex BME domes.
- Dissociation Enzyme Solutions I–III (GBOR0009–0011) — tissue dissociation for PDO establishment.
- Organoid Cryopreservation Medium (GBOR0008) — biobanking and long-term storage.
- Organoid Harvesting Solution (GBOR0007) — recovery of intact organoids from matrix.
- Tissue Preservation Solution (GBOR0001) — cold-chain transport of primary specimens.
Browse the full catalog: Culture Medium · Organoid Reagents · Organoid Kits · Organ-on-Chip. Need a formulation not listed here? Contact our scientific support team.
How to cite this resource
GBiowit. (2026). Organoid Culture Media & Cytokine Quick-Reference Table v2.1. Retrieved 2026-07-25, from https://www.gbiowit.com/resources/medium-reference
This resource is provided under CC BY 4.0. If you use it in a publication, please cite both this table and the original papers referenced in each row.
Disclaimer: Formulations are reproduced from the cited publications for research reference only. Actual performance depends on tissue source, matrix batch, and laboratory conditions; optimize empirically before critical experiments. Supplier SKUs belong to their respective manufacturers and are listed for identification only. GBiowit complete media are research-use-only products. Last updated: 2026-07-25.