Physiologically Relevant Cell Culture

Until recently, the only techniques available for cell or tissue culture were limited to 2D. Reconstituting a physiologically relevant environment in two dimensions is nearly impossible: cells in 2D are exposed to high levels of serum and oxygen, they adapt their morphology to the 2D environment (thus modifying protein expression), and crucial intercellular interactions are reduced to insignificant levels.

While animal models offer the closest in vivo experimental system, they have limited applications as not all diseases can be recreated in animal models. In vivo systems are also of their nature complex, and this complexity makes it harder to control and measure all the factors that might be relevant.

As biological sciences rely heavily on tissue culture, running experiments in 3D conditions brings research to the next level. See below to explore our selection of 3D Cell Culture technologies, to help you improve your experimental set ups, to model in vivo conditions.

Artificial Scaffolds are highly stable, providing surfaces for cells to attach, grow, and differentiate in a 3D environment. They also have the ability to multiplex several cell types by combining scaffold slabs in various co-culture combinations.

Hydrogels are formed of synthetic and/or natural extracellular matrices, cross-linked networks, and interconnected pores possessing high water retention. These components allow the creation a cell microenvironment that mimics the dynamic extracellular matrix.

Alginate is an anionic polysaccharide derived from brown algae cell walls, which forms a gel in the presence of calcium. Cells can be easily harvested from alginate gels, making it the perfect choice for 3D cell culture.

Extracellular matrix proteins have revolutionized in vitro and in vivo cell models by providing optimal environmental conditions to promote physiologically relevant cellular structure and function.