Recent Advances in Multicellular Tumor Spheroid Generation for Drug Screening

Abstract

Multicellular tumor spheroids (MCTs) have been employed in biomedical fields owing to their advantage in designing a three-dimensional (3D) solid tumor model. For controlling multicellular cancer spheroids, mimicking the tumor extracellular matrix (ECM) microenvironment is important to understand cell–cell and cell–matrix interactions. In drug cytotoxicity assessments, MCTs provide better mimicry of conventional solid tumors that can precisely represent anticancer drug candidates’ effects. To generate incubate multicellular spheroids, researchers have developed several 3D multicellular spheroid culture technologies to establish a research background and a platform using tumor modelingvia advanced materials science, and biosensing techniques for drug-screening. In application, drug screening was performed in both invasive and non-invasive manners, according to their impact on the spheroids. Here, we review the trend of 3D spheroid culture technology and culture platforms, and their combination with various biosensing techniques for drug screening in the biomedical field.

Bioluminescence Sensing in 3D Spherical Microtissues for Multiple Bioactivity Analysis of Environmental Samples

“…Owing to their superior predictivity, three-dimensional (3D) cell models are increasingly replacing conventional 2D cell cultures. 3D cell models, including spheroids, organoids, and microtissues, enable reconstitution of the extracellular matrix and cell-cell interactions, creating an architecture that faithfully reflects the native morphology of organs and tumors [6,7]. In recent years, 3D cellular models have shown suitability as highly predictive bioassays to identify potentially bioactive molecules interacting with molecular targets, representing a very promising and reliable tool for effect-based analysis [8,9].…”

Computational refocusing of Jones matrix polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography and investigation of defocus-induced polarization artifacts

“…Cultured in vitro tissues are widely used in basic medicine and drug development. Recent progress in cultivation techniques has enabled thick and functionally-shaped tissue cultures such as spheroids and organoids [ 1 – 4 ]. Such tissue cultures are not only collections of cells, but can also mimic tissue micro-environments such as the extracellular matrix, making them a promising tool for basic medical and pharmaceutical research.…”

Recent Advances in Electrochemical Biosensors for Monitoring Animal Cell Function and Viability

“…However, these techniques are incapable of real-time monitoring and rapid assessment without compromising cell viability. To counteract this limitation, researchers have used electrochemical methods (e.g., EIS and DPV methods) for the non-invasive, real-time, and high-throughput pharmacokinetic assessment of cell viability, proliferation, and cytotoxicity [ 120 ].…”