Modeling Physiological Events in 2D vs. 3D Cell Culture

Abstract

Cell culture has become an indispensable tool to help uncover fundamental biophysical and biomolecular mechanisms by which cells assemble into tissues and organs, how these tissues function, and how that function becomes disrupted in disease. Cell culture is now widely used in biomedical research, tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and industrial practices. Although flat, two-dimensional (2D) cell culture has predominated, recent research has shifted toward culture using three-dimensional (3D) structures, and more realistic biochemical and biomechanical microenvironments. Nevertheless, in 3D cell culture, many challenges remain, including the tissue-tissue interface, the mechanical microenvironment, and the spatiotemporal distributions of oxygen, nutrients, and metabolic wastes. Here, we review 2D and 3D cell culture methods, discuss advantages and limitations of these techniques in modeling physiologically and pathologically relevant processes, and suggest directions for future research.

Assessment of polyglycolic acid scaffolds for periodontal ligament regeneration

“…The metabolism and gene expression profile of cells is altered greatly during growth in two-dimensional culture. Some researchers have reported that the utilization of three-dimensional biomaterial scaffolds instead of 'flat biology' shows physiological performances that mimic functions seen in human tissues [15,16]. In our study, owing to fundamental disadvantages associated with applying a two-dimensional substrate, we selected a three-dimensionally reconstructed system, which plays a role similar to that of the ECM in natural tissue [7].…”

Hard Tissue Augmentation of Aged Bone by Means of a Tin-Free PLLA-PCL Co-Polymer Exhibiting in vivo Anergy and Long-Term Structural Stability

“…PbP serving as a novel substrate for adherent cells in conjunction with quick histological analysis thus provides further grounds for resolving basic cell biological questions. It is generally believed that cells behave very differently when grown in 3D, as cell-cell contacts or production and deposition of matrix will greatly differ compared to 2D cell culture in plastic dishes [34]. Straightforward unsophisticated biomaterial-assisted growth could be the first step towards experimental analysis of organotypic cell biology [35, 36].…”

Three‐Dimensional Osteosarcoma Models for Advancing Drug Discovery and Development

“…[12] The structural changes to which cells are subjected in 2D models, result in cell-ECM adhesion only on a half of the cell that is in contact with the flat dishes and cell-cell contact is established only in the horizontal plane. Unfortunately, these in vitro models have some flaws in mimicking the biological characteristics of the microenvironment and signaling cascades.…”

“…[11,12] Thus, 3D tissue engineering constructs have been proposed as www.advancedsciencenews.com www.advtherap.com they can balance the realism and the simplicity, artificially mimicking key aspects of any human tissue and its microenvironment and, furthermore, reducing the use of animal models. [11,12] Thus, 3D tissue engineering constructs have been proposed as www.advancedsciencenews.com www.advtherap.com they can balance the realism and the simplicity, artificially mimicking key aspects of any human tissue and its microenvironment and, furthermore, reducing the use of animal models.…”