Begin with a single-cell suspension of mouse embryonic neuronal progenitor cells in a neurobasal medium.
The medium contains essential nutrients for maintaining cell viability.
Dispense small drops of this cell suspension on the lid of a non-adhesive culture dish, ensuring they are spaced apart.
Invert the lid, resulting in the formation of hanging drops.
Position the lid above the dish containing a buffer to establish a humid environment that prevents media evaporation and incubate.
Within the hanging drops, the surface tension of the liquid maintains the drop's shape.
This shape confinement restricts the cells to a limited space without spreading.
Additionally, gravitational forces within the drops direct the cells toward the lower region.
As neuronal progenitor cells come into closer contact, they spontaneously aggregate to form a three-dimensional structure known as a neuron ball.