Abstract

Questions to Ask when Designing 3D Cell Culture Model Systems

Terry Riss, Global Strategic Marketing Manager Cell Health, Promega Corporation

There continues to be a rapid expansion in the use of 3D cell culture model systems because they more closely represent the in vivo situation compared to culturing cells as a monolayer attached to plastic. There are many approaches classified as 3D culture models ranging from individual scaffold-free spheroids to human-on-a-chip and researchers soon become aware the models have vastly different requirements and there is no “one size fits all” approach. Selecting a 3D culture model that is “fit for purpose” involves several decisions and often results in a compromise between sample throughput and culture model complexity or cost. We will describe an overview of factors to consider when designing or selecting an appropriate 3D culture model addressing: sample size, scaffolds, culture medium, choice of assay methods, and reproducibility. Attendees should acquire an increased awareness of the range of available approaches and be able to use the information to design an appropriate 3D culture model.