The world of research is changing in response to rapid innovations happening across the globe. From 2D, cell cultures and models have transformed to 3D.
Cell culture is an important process which finds application in various processes such as drug discovery, cancer research, and Stem cell studies. The traditional methods of cell cultures usually relied upon 2D or two-dimensional methods. However, new and improved methods of today’s world that make use of three-dimensional or 3D cell culture techniques can lead to more advanced experiments that can provide valuable insights through 3D models.
The best thing about 3D methods is that the cell environment can be controlled to imitate that of a cell in vivo, which can give highly accurate data about cell to cell interactions and other important processes in biology, such as tumor characteristics, metabolic profiling, stem cell research, drug discovery, and for various other types of diseases.
In simple terms, 3D cell culture techniques allow cells to grow in a 3D environment outside of an organism. Compared to the traditional approaches of growing cells on a flat surface, 3D environment ensures conditions more like that of the body, allowing cells the space to grow in all three dimensions. The cell interactions happen like they would happen in vivo.
3D cell culture processes can use scaffold based techniques such as polymeric hard material-based support, hydrogel-based support, hydrophilic glass fiber, and organoids. Each of these comes with their own advantages and disadvantages.
Also, there are scaffold-free techniques, like hanging drop microplates, magnetic levitation, spheroid microplates with ultra-low attachment coating.
The choice of 3D cell culture methods usually depends on the nature of the cells as well as on the goals and purpose of the 3D cultures.
3D cell culture has evolved in past few years and provides better scope for research and study. It can provide alternative ways to research on organ behavior. The result of studies can eventually help bridge the gap between 2D cell cultures and animal models.
This three-dimensional method has allowed researchers to study the mammalian cells in a better way. 3D cell cultures are more physiologically relevant and produce results which aid in better research. As cells are grown in an environment that resembles the body as closely as possible, the models are highly precise and good for studies and research. Whether the study has to happen on cancer cells or stem cells, 3D models ensure better research outcomes.