Application of nanomaterials in three‐dimensional stem cell culture

Abstract

Petri dish cultured cells have for long provided scientists an aperture to understanding cell's behavior both in normal and disease states as well as in vitro and in vivo. But recent advances have brought to light how the architecture and composite nature of the immediate environment within which the cell is proliferated can profoundly influence its phenotypic features and functions, thus making obvious, limitations of the conventional two‐dimensional cell culture despite it cost effectiveness. Fortunately, the transition to three‐dimensional (3D) cell culture has occurred concurrently with expanded knowledge of nanoscience and materials, thereby lending significant impetus for innovative research. This review is focused on the application of nanoparticles in 3D stem cell breeding, recent trends and developments in medical sciences for improved drug delivery, and treatment approaches to some human diseases. We also reviewed prevailing challenges and concerns of nanotoxicity as it continues to impede and delay clinical applications as well the ongoing concerted and multidisciplinary efforts to overcome them.

In Vitro Models of Biological Barriers for Nanomedical Research

“…However, cell monolayers are also far from being realistic biological barriers as they lack both three-dimensionality and histological organization. Consequently, many 3D cell culture systems ( Figure 2 ), often including the extracellular matrix, have been constructed [ 15 , 16 ]. Although 3D models are time-consuming, require trained handling, and has low reproducibility between research groups, they more closely mimic the normal cell–matrix and cell–cell interactions than 2D models, being thus more appropriate to test in vitro the NP delivery through complex biological barriers.…”