3D Cell Culture
A photo of breast cancer-derived organoid stained with calcein AM (green), ethidium homodimer (red), and Hoechst (blue). Image c/o Regina Joyce E. Ferrer, Science Research Specialist, Regen Lab.
What is 3D cell culture?
3D cell culture refers to a method of growing cells in three dimensions to mimic the natural environment of cells in tissues and organs more accurately. These techniques involve growing cells within a three-dimensional matrix or scaffold that provides structural support, allowing cells to interact with their surroundings in a manner more similar to their natural environment.
Advantages of 3D culture
Provides a more physiologically relevant environment for cell growth
Allows better cell-cell interactions
Exhibit cell differentiation and tissue organization
Simulates microenvironment conditions (hypoxia and nutrient gradients)
Image c/o Allen Joy Corachea, Science Research Specialist, Regen Lab
Types of 3D culture
Scaffold-based
Cells are embedded within a three-dimensional scaffold made of natural or synthetic materials, such as hydrogels, collagen, or extracellular matrix components. The scaffold provides physical support and a framework for cell growth. A common example of scaffold-based 3D culture system is the patient-derived organoids.
Scaffold-free
Cells are grown in a liquid medium without attachment to a solid surface. Aggregates or spheroids of cells can form, allowing interactions and communication between cells.
Organ-on-a-chip systems
These are more advanced 3D cell culture models that aim to replicate the structure and function of specific organs or tissues. They involve integrating multiple cell types in a microfluidic chip that mimics the physiological conditions of the target organ.
References:
Duval, K., Grover, H., Han, L. H., Mou, Y., Pegoraro, A. F., Fredberg, J., & Chen, Z. (2017). Modeling Physiological Events in 2D vs. 3D Cell Culture. Physiology (Bethesda, Md.), 32(4), 266–277. https://doi.org/10.1152/physiol.00036.2016
Habanjar, O., Diab-Assaf, M., Caldefie-Chezet, F., & Delort, L. (2021). 3D Cell Culture Systems: Tumor Application, Advantages, and Disadvantages. International journal of molecular sciences, 22(22), 12200. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms222212200
Interested in doing 3D cell culture for your research? Contact us to know more!
This study was supported in part by a research grant from the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (BRCA).