With billions of neurons and trillions of synapses, the brain is a complex, intricate network that continues to challenge and fascinate scientists. Delve into the complexities of the brain with Merck. Our Neurobiology Research Portal bridges cutting-edge products and technical expertise with the collective wisdom of the global research community. Together, we're unlocking the secrets of neural networks and advancing the field of neuroscience.

With our focused portfolio, start your neurobiology project with confidence, Here you can access curated technical resources, exclusive webinars, and relevant technical product brochures.

Products for Neuroscience Workflow

Elevating your research with our range of advanced solutions spanning the length and breadth of your workflow.

Technical Resources and Protocols

Derivation of Functional Oligodendrocyte Progenitor Cells (OPCs) from Human Neural Stem Cell Lines
Derivation and characterization of functional human neural stem cell derived oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) that efficiently myelinate primary neurons in culture.

Neural Stem Cell Culture Protocols
Step-by-step culture protocols for neural stem cell culture including NSC isolation, expansion, differentiation and characterization.

Neural Stem Cell FAQs
Frequently asked questions about neural stem cells including NSC derivation, expansion and differentiation.

Neuronal Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Protocol to differentiate human mesenchymal stem cells into neurons with extensive dendrites and axons in 3 days.

HumanKine^® Thermostable bFGF, an engineered recombinant protein with enhanced biological functionality on human iPS and neural progenitor cells
Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are secreted glycoproteins that regulate several fundamental developmental pathways and help regulate mesoderm and ectoderm patterning in the early embryonic development.

Robust Differentiation of Human iPSCs into Lineage-Specific Neurons and Glial Cells Utilizing Dual-SMAD Inhibition
Human iPSC neural differentiation media and protocols used to generate neural stem cells, neurons and glial cell types.

ReNcell^® Human Neural Progenitors: Renewable and Consistent Human Neural Stem Cell Lines that Differentiate into Functional Neurons
ReNcell^® neural progenitors are immortalized human neural stem cell lines that can differentiate into neurons, astrocytes sand oligodendrocytes.

Integrating Multiplex and High Sensitivity Immunoassay Detection of Alzheimer’s Disease Biomarkers
With complex neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, integrating multiplex and high sensitivity immunoassays to detect biomarkers can help researchers get a better understanding of disease mechanisms. Read on to learn how this concept was applied with MILLIPLEX^® multiplex and SMC^® high sensitivity immunoassay detection of Alzheimer’s disease biomarkers in human cerebrospinal fluid, plasma, and serum samples.

Expanding Neuroscience Research Using High Sensitivity Immunoassay Technology
Blood-based neuroscience biomarkers give researchers less invasive sample options through plasma/serum samples when compared to cerebrospinal fluid samples. High sensitivity immunoassays, such as Single Molecule Counting (SMC^®) assays, give researchers the tools they need to detect low-abundant blood-based biomarkers and expand biomarker options in neuroscience research.

Multiplex Detection of Four Alzheimer’s Disease Biomarkers in Human CSF Samples Using A Novel MILLIPLEX^® Assay
Analyzing combinations of CSF biomarkers of neurodegenerative disease provides unique benefits. Read on to see how multiplex detection of these biomarkers, using the MILLIPLEX^® Human Amyloid Beta and Tau Magnetic Bead Panel, allows for a different perspective on Alzheimer’s disease research.

Duolink^® PLA Technology for Neuroscience Applications
Duolink^® proximity ligation assay used to study neuron interactions furthering neuroscience research.

Sensor Dyes
Nitric oxide (NO) as a signal transporter in neurons, endothelial cells and in the immune system.

Sanger Whole Genome CRISPR Arrayed Libraries to help find new therapies for neurodegenerative diseases
Read about how Dr. Emmanouil Metzakopian and his team are successfully using the Sigma-Aldrich^® CRISPR product portfolio to prioritize gene targets for drug development to treat neurodegenerative diseases.

Blood Brain Barrier Antibody Penetration Assay Using Millicell^® Microwell Plates
Antibody therapy is crucial in neuroscience, neuro-oncology, and immunotherapies, targeting cancer tumors and triggering the body’s immune response. Studying the BBB system is challenging, often requiring animal models. We demonstrate a scalable BBB assay using assembloids and 96-well plates, closely mimicking in vivo properties.

How High Sensitivity Immunoassays Expand Neuroscience Research
Discover how to expand neuroscience biomarker research with high sensitivity immunoassays, such as Single Molecule Counting (SMC^®) assays. These assays give researchers the tools they need to detect low-abundant blood-based biomarkers and expand biomarker options in neuroscience research.

Neurite Outgrowth Assays
Optimized cell based neurite outgrowth assays and reagents to study neuron function and development.

Additional Resources