Platform Explainer
What is NANOSTACKS™?
NANOSTACKS™ is a modular microphysiological systems platform that enables researchers to build multi-layer human organ models in standard laboratory plates — without microfluidics, pumps, or specialist equipment.
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Definition
What is NANOSTACKS™?
NANOSTACKS™ is Revivocell's proprietary microphysiological systems (MPS) platform. It is a system of modular, stackable cell culture inserts designed to fit within standard SBS 24-well plates. Each insert represents a defined tissue layer — such as an endothelium, parenchyma, or immune cell compartment — and layers are assembled in physiologically relevant order to create a multi-cellular organ model.
Unlike conventional organ-on-chip devices that require microfluidic hardware, NANOSTACKS™ uses orbital shaking to generate dynamic flow conditions, making it compatible with any standard cell culture laboratory.
Mechanism
How NANOSTACKS™ Works
The platform operates on the principle of layered insert stacking. Each insert is fabricated from inert, biocompatible materials (PTFE/polycarbonate) with defined pore sizes that permit paracrine signalling and controlled cell–cell communication across compartments.
Select your organ configuration
Choose from validated liver, brain, or multi-organ systems, or configure a custom model using the NANOSTACKS™ Multi-Organ Builder.
Assemble the layered system
Stack inserts in physiological order within a standard 24-well plate. Each layer is seeded with the appropriate human-derived cell type.
Culture under dynamic conditions
Place the assembled plate on an orbital shaker at a defined frequency to generate physiologically relevant shear stress — no pumps or external hardware required.
Apply compounds and collect data
Add test compounds and collect samples from apical and basal compartments. Perform standard assays including ELISA, imaging, qPCR, metabolomics, or MEA electrophysiology.
Specifications
Key Technical Features
Platform specifications
- SBS-format 24-well plate compatible — integrates with existing lab infrastructure
- Stackable PTFE/polycarbonate inserts — available in multiple pore sizes (0.4 µm, 1.0 µm, 3.0 µm)
- Supports 2–4 cell layers per stack in a single well
- Dynamic culture via orbital shaking — physiological shear without external pumps
- Validated culture durations: 14–28 days (extended protocols available)
- Compatible with: brightfield/fluorescence imaging, ELISA, qPCR, LC-MS/MS, MEA electrophysiology, proteomics
- Available as ready-to-use kits or custom configurations
Full technical datasheets are available on the Technology page and the Resources page.
Applications
What Can Be Modeled
Liver MPS
Monoculture, triculture (+ endothelium + Kupffer cells), and tetraculture (+ stellate cells). Validated for ADME, DILI, fibrosis, and chronic toxicity.
Brain MPS
Neuronal co-cultures with neurons, astrocytes, microglia, and brain endothelial cells. MEA-compatible for functional network readouts.
Multi-Organ MPS
Liver–brain, liver–gut, liver–kidney axis systems. Models systemic distribution, first-pass metabolism, and organ-crosstalk toxicity.
Positioning
Where NANOSTACKS™ Fits
NANOSTACKS™ is designed to bridge the gap between overly simple static models and overly complex microfluidic systems. It combines the reproducibility and accessibility of Transwells with the physiological relevance of organ-on-chip — without the infrastructure barriers.
Transwells — Simple, 2D barrier models
High reproducibility, low complexity. Limited to two compartments and static conditions.
Organoids — 3D but variable and low control
Biologically complex self-organising structures. High disease relevance but difficult to standardise for quantitative toxicology.
Organ-on-Chip — Dynamic but complex and low throughput
Active microfluidic flow with precise control. Requires pumps, chips, and specialist infrastructure — limits routine adoption.
NANOSTACKS™ — Modular, controlled, scalable multi-organ systems
Defined multi-layer architectures with physiological orbital flow. Standard 24-well format — no pumps or specialist equipment needed.
Compare NANOSTACKS™ to other in vitro models
Side-by-side table, strengths & limitations, and a decision guide covering Transwells, organoids, organ-on-chip, and NANOSTACKS™.
Use Cases
Example Applications
Drug-Induced Liver Injury (DILI)
Hepatocyte co-culture with Kupffer and endothelial cells enables detection of both intrinsic and immune-mediated DILI. Validated against known hepatotoxins with sensitivity superior to standard 2D cultures.
Functional Neurotoxicity
Neuronal network models with MEA electrophysiology detect sub-lethal neurotoxicity through network activity changes — readouts unavailable in standard viability assays.
Multi-Organ Systemic Toxicity
Connected liver–brain and liver–gut systems model first-pass metabolism, metabolite-driven toxicity, and organ crosstalk — critical for predicting systemic drug effects.
Discuss NANOSTACKS™ for your study
Our scientific team can advise on configuration, cell sourcing, assay design, and experimental timelines.