Three-dimensional cell cultivation systems

Abstract

This review discusses the characteristics of three-dimensional cell culture systems on and without carriers (scaffolds). Scaffolds are used to simulate the extracellular matrix, as well as to reproduce the natural physical and structural microenvironment of cells, similar to living tissue. The review examines the types of scaffolds (hard and gel-like, natural and artificial, degradable and non-degradable), their characteristics, advantages and disadvantages, features of cell distribution in them. The use of decellularized and devitalized organs and tissues as scaffolds is discussed. The review also considers matrix-free cultivation of cells in the composition of three-dimensional multicellular structures -spheroids. The structure and biology of spheroids is discussed. The features of spheroid formation under static (self-assembly) and dynamic (under the influence of external forces) cultivation conditions are considered. The role of spheroid size for cell survival is discussed.

Obtaining and characterization of rat fetuses neural cells aggregates/spheroids

“…However, the cells that are grown in 2D conditions do not fully reproduce the three-dimensional (3D) characteristics of the nervous tissue. Furthermore, in 2D cell culture, the nonoptimal mechanical cues of hard plastic or glass surface, as well as the lack of the three-dimensional extracellular matrix support, can significantly affect the behavior, functioning, growth, and morphology of NC [2][3][4][5][6]. Thereby, two-dimensional models do not allow the reconstruction of elementary architectural components and 3D microenvironment of the intact brain.…”

“…Thereby, two-dimensional models do not allow the reconstruction of elementary architectural components and 3D microenvironment of the intact brain. Therefore, the efforts of recent research were focused on developing three-dimensional mammalian brain cell culture systems that can fill the gap between in vivo natural and in vitro artificial conditions and provide highly productive and reproducible research results [6]. In such three-dimensional cell systems, intercellular interactions and physiological signals from the extracellular matrix create the conditions for cells that are similar to those in vivo.…”