3D cell culture opens new dimensions in cell-based assays.
3D cell culture technologies have revolutionized our understanding of cellular behavior, both in culture and in vivo, but adoption by cell-based screening groups has been slow owing to problems of consistency, scale and cost. The evolving field of high content screening technologies will, however, require a rethinking of 3D cell culture adoption to ensure the next generation of cells provide relevant in vivo-like data. Three current technologies are presented in this review: membranes, sponges/gels and microcarriers. A short history of these technologies and unique research applications are discussed. Also, the technologies are evaluated for usefulness in modern automated cell-based screening equipment.
Justice
Bradley A
BA
Global Cell Solutions, Inc., 770 Harris Street, Suite 104, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA. brad.justice@globalcellsolutions.com
Badr
Nadia A
NA
Felder
Robin A
RA
D000818:Animals; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000378:metabolism; D005782:Gels / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D008954:Models, Biological; D023822:Tissue Engineering / Q000379:methods*
D005782:Gels; D008567:Membranes, Artificial