Spheroid Cell Culture: New Dimensions in 3D Assays from thescientistllc on Vimeo.
High attrition in clinical trials and the need to replace animal models in a variety of applications has driven researchers to develop in vitro assays with greater physiological relevance. The last decade has seen a large variety of models developed to mimic cells organized into tissues and even organs. These have collectively been termed 3-D cell culture models. 3-D methods are deemed superior to growing cells in a monolayer due to increased extracellular matrix (ECM) formation, cell-to-cell and cell-to-matrix interactions, all important for differentiation, proliferation and cellular functions in vivo. Currently, the most popular method of 3-D cell culture is aggregating cells into spheroids. The Scientist is bringing together a panel of experts to discuss the value of spheroid culture systems, and to explore the technical benefits and challenges of making the switch from 2-D to 3-D culture. ...
