Culture and Assay Systems Used for 3D Cell Culture

Mammalian cell culture has served as an invaluable tool in cell biology for several decades. Mono­ layers of adherent cells grown on flat and rigid two-dimensional (2D) substrates, such as polysty­ rene or glass, have evolved as the mainstay in conventional cell culture systems. Two-dimensional cell culture studies have played a pivotal role in furthering our understanding of developmental biol­ ogy, tissue morphogenesis, disease mechanisms, drug discovery, large-scale protein production, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine. Simultaneously, a multitude of inadequacies associated with 2D culture systems have also emerged, especially with respect to their inability to emulate in vivo con­ ditions and providing physiological relevance.