Cell culture is an important and necessary function for drug discovery, stem cell research, and cancer research. Currently, most cells are cultured in 2D where cells are grown as a single monolayer, but we all know cells grow in 3D in vivo. Therefore, cells cultured in 2D for studies in gene expression, apoptosis, and, importantly, drug uptake and toxicity are not transferable to in vivo experiments. 3D in vitro cell culture model will bridge the gap between 2D cell culture and animal models.

There are several types of 3D cell culture models on the market and mostly grouped as “Scaffold-Based” and “Scaffold-Free”. Scaffold-Based 3D cell culture can mimic the cell’s natural environment, thus providing a vessel for cells to anchor or migrate, communicate with one another, differentiate and proliferate. Scaffold-Free 3D cell culture, mainly use low adhesion plates and produce spheroid cells by force. Furthermore, depending on its technology, mass production of homogenous spheroid cells and further culturing and co-culturing within its matrix is possible. Each model has their own advantages and characteristics, and a single model will not work for everyone. Iwai North America have collected several models and some customizable to meet researchers’ needs.