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Review
. 2021 Mar 2;22(5):2491.
doi: 10.3390/ijms22052491.

Applications of Biomaterials in 3D Cell Culture and Contributions of 3D Cell Culture to Drug Development and Basic Biomedical Research

Yujin Park  1   2 , Kang Moo Huh  1 , Sun-Woong Kang  2   3
Affiliations
Review

Applications of Biomaterials in 3D Cell Culture and Contributions of 3D Cell Culture to Drug Development and Basic Biomedical Research

Yujin Park et al. Int J Mol Sci. .

Abstract

The process of evaluating the efficacy and toxicity of drugs is important in the production of new drugs to treat diseases. Testing in humans is the most accurate method, but there are technical and ethical limitations. To overcome these limitations, various models have been developed in which responses to various external stimuli can be observed to help guide future trials. In particular, three-dimensional (3D) cell culture has a great advantage in simulating the physical and biological functions of tissues in the human body. This article reviews the biomaterials currently used to improve cellular functions in 3D culture and the contributions of 3D culture to cancer research, stem cell culture and drug and toxicity screening.

Keywords: 3D cell culture; alternative model; biomaterials; drug screening.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Biomaterials and related method of three-dimensional (3D) cell culture preparation. (A) Hydrogel, (B) Solid scaffold, (C) Decellularized native tissue (D) Ultra-low attachment surface.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Stem cell-derived organoids.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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