| Key features | 2D | 3D |
| Cellular shape | spreading | natural shape |
| Cell-medium interface | All cells were exposed to medium fractions | Media components with gradient availability. (non-homogeneous exposure) |
| cellular connection | less prevalent and less like physiological conditions | prevalent , activate intercellular communication. |
| cellular differentiation | Medium and low | well-differentiated |
| drug metabolism | not well observed | Enhanced drug metabolism, increased expression of CYP enzymes |
| drug sensitivity | Sensitive, drugs show high efficiency | drug resistance, and drugs show low potency. |
| cell proliferation | Higher proliferation rate than in the natural environment | The proliferation rate can be high or low, and it is based on cell type and 3D cell culture technology. |
| Response to stimulus | Poor response | Good response |
| viability | Sensitive to cytotoxins | stronger viability and less susceptible to external factors |
| apoptosis | Highly sensitive to drug-induced apoptosis | Enhanced resistance to drug-induced apoptotic stimuli |
