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Organoids are 3D cell cultures derived from pluripotent stem cells that mimic the structure, function, and cellular complexity of human organs. These in vitro, miniaturized versions of organs are especially well suited for studying complex multicellular organ structures, such as the brain, retina, kidney, and lungs, and are now widely used to study organ development and disease.1
A spheroid is a round cluster of primary or immortalized cells that scientists commonly grow with 3D culture techniques for tumor research.2 Organoids are similar to these structures, except their formation begins with tissue-specific stem cells that self-assemble into microscopic versions of a functioning organ component.1
Organoids allow researchers to study matrix-adhered cells and learn about organ development. A process that could take years using live model organisms now only takes months with organoids grown in culture. Combined with CRISPR genome ...
