title: Advances in multicellular spheroids formation.
abstract: Three-dimensional multicellular spheroids (MCSs) have a complex architectural structure, dynamic cell-cell/cell-matrix interactions and bio-mimickingin vivomicroenvironment. As a fundamental building block for tissue reconstruction, MCSs have emerged as a powerful tool to narrow down the gap between thein vitroandin vivomodel. In this review paper, we discussed the structure and biology of MCSs and detailed fabricating methods. Among these methods, the approach in microfluidics with hydrogel support for MCS formation is promising because it allows essential cell-cell/cell-matrix interactions in a confined space.
authors.affiliation: School of Chemical Engineering, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia.
authors.forename: X
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Cui
authors.affiliation: School of Chemical Engineering, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia.
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Hartanto
authors.affiliation: School of Chemical Engineering, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia hu.zhang@adelaide.edu.au.
authors.forename: H
authors.identifier: 0000-0003-4178-6401
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Zhang
mesh_terms: D002450:Cell Communication / Q000502:physiology*; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D060833:Cellular Microenvironment / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D018874:Spheroids, Cellular / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*
keywords: hydrogel; microfluidics; multicellular spheroids; three-dimensional culture; tissue engineering