3D Culture

In vitro three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures have been increasingly used for drug discovery, tissue engineering, cancer research, stem cell research and regenerative medicine. In vitro 3D cell cultures have more advantages compared to two-dimensional monolayer cell culture, as they better mimic the in vivo microenvironment and functionality of the cells due to cell-to-cell interaction and extracellular matrix (ECM) in the 3D environment. Consequently, this makes 3D culture a great platform for studying physiological and pathological complex structure.

There are two main types of 3D cell culturing methods: 1) scaffold-free methods and 2) scaffold-based methods. Scaffold-free methods rely on cells to self-aggregate into clusters or spheroids, a spontaneous process of organogenesis which allows natural cell-matrix interaction. Some of the popular methods include low attachment plate, hanging drop plates, micropatterned surfaces, rotating bioreactors, and magnetic levitation. The scaffold-based methods use structures that imitate the ECM to promote cellular microenvironment. These include biological hydrogels (such as Matrigel, collagen, fibrinogen and gelatin) and synthetic hydrogel (such as Polyethylene glycol (PEG), polylactic acid (PA), and polyglycolic acid (PGA)). These 3D cell cultures systems provide a great tool for the generation of spheroids and organoids commonly used in drug toxicology screening.

Atlantis Bioscience offers high quality tools/solutions to gain confidence in your 3D cell culture research;

The DeNova’s patented DNSkin™ is a 3D skin modeling system suitable for drug or cosmetic toxicity testing. HumaTein™ is a Matrigel alternative. It is a whole ECM isolated from human cells and is more relevant for translational research. CytoForm^® is a 3D printed scaffold which provides for the cultivation of various cell types such as bone and hard tissue. SphericalPlate 5D is a high-end ultra-low attachment coating plate which allows for cell aggregation. Happy Cell^® ASM is a low velocity culture media that allows for rapid tumor spheroid formation. SpongeCol^® is a collagen sponge composed of highly purified Type I collagen which best supports the attachment, proliferation, and function of cells. Elveflow provides solution for organ-on-chip that creates an artificial micro-environment allowing cells to grow and interact in three dimensions. Advanced Biomatrix Ruthenium is a photoinitiator that utilizes visible light photocrosslinking for bioinks/hydrogels. Cell GS – PODS^® growth factors is a nanoscale co-crystal that can sustainably release growth factors through nano-pore. We also provide related cell culture products such as collagen type I-IV, fibronectin, growth factors (i.e. PDFG, IGF, FGF, EGF, GM-CSF), stem culture medium (i.e. Alpha STEM^®, CellCor™) etc. We also provide solutions for monitoring cell health to ensure physiological morphology and activity of the cells such as Biotium Viability/Cytotoxicity Assay Kit.