Traditional two-dimensional (2D) tissue culture, established over a century ago, involves cells growing on flat surfaces resulting in monolayer cultures. However, this method significantly deviates from the natural in vivo environment, where critical cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions shape cell behavior and responses to stimuli. This limitation has led to the development of more realistic and predictive three-dimensional (3D) cell culture models, enhancing the prognostic capabilities of in vitro testing systems. By culturing cells in 3D, we can more accurately mimic the in vivo state, where cell morphology, interactions, and tissue-specific architecture closely resemble that of native tissues.
Vivoid Biotech has delivered innovations that have advanced the science of 3D cell culture especially spheroid culture. We pioneered the development of novel tools providing easier access to in vivo-like 3D spheroid models. And we continue to support you with a diverse and evolving portfolio of innovative 3D spheroid culture products, solutions, protocols, and expertise.
Why have 3D cell cultures become so popular among researchers? Because cells grown in 3D environments better replicate the behavior of tissues and organs in the body compared to traditional 2D cultures. These 3D models offer more biologically accurate systems for drug discovery, leading to more reliable predictions, higher success rates in drug testing, faster market entry, and lower development costs.
Spheroids and organoids provide the ability to develop more complex 3D models that closely replicate in vivo-like tissue and organ environments. Each has its own set of advantages and limitations, so the best choice depends on your specific application and research objectives. Regardless of which you choose, both spheroids and organoids hold significant potential for advancing key areas of research.
Spheroids offer a simple, cost-effective, and efficient way to model cells in 3D. Their ability to mimic solid tumors accelerates drug discovery efforts and deepens our understanding of cancer biology.
Spheroids can be derived from a wide variety of cell types, resulting in diverse models such as tumor spheroids, embryoid bodies, hepatospheres, neurospheres, and mammospheres. These structures can consist of a single cell type or a combination of different cell types.
Typically, spheroids are formed in a scaffold-free environment by suspending cells in colonies without relying on extracellular matrices (ECMs) or other physical supports. Key areas of spheroid research include cancer biology, tumor modeling, stem cell research, immuno-oncology, and liver toxicity modeling.
Spheroids are capable of developing metabolic gradients, which lead to the formation of heterogeneous cell populations and foster enhanced cell-to-cell and cell-to-ECM interactions. This allows them to effectively replicate the microenvironment of various diseased tissues.
Spheroid research areas: Cancer biology, tumor modeling, stem cell research, immuno-oncology, liver toxicity modeling, etc.
Spheroids can establish metabolic gradients, resulting in diverse cell populations with enhanced cell-to-cell and cell-to-ECM interactions. This ability allows them to effectively replicate the microenvironment of various diseased tissues.