Saltar al contenido
Merck
HomeProductsCell Culture & AnalysisScaffolds for 3D Cell Culture

Scaffolds for 3D Cell Culture

Scanning electron microscope image showing two clusters of round, bulbous structures resembling microbial colonies, adhered to a fibrous matrix. The image is in black and white, emphasizing the texture and detail of the microorganisms and fibers, with a scale bar indicating a measurement of 20 micrometers.

Mammalian cells in vivo grow in complex three-dimensional (3D) environments. The shape and chemical composition of the extracellular matrix (ECM) surrounding a cell can dictate many physiological responses. Traditional cell culture techniques and protocols are performed on two-dimensional (2D) surfaces, usually composed of glass or polystyrene. While the 2D method is accessible and convenient, several well-documented artifacts can arise from studying cells cultured under 2D conditions. Advanced cell culture methods and protocols have been developed to culture cells in 3D environments in vitro. 

Tools facilitating the growth of cells in a three-dimensional environment are generally divided into scaffold-free and scaffold-based technologies. A well-established approach for 3D cell culture is to grow cells on structural scaffolds, typically composed of biopolymers that are arranged to mimic the physiological extracellular matrix (ECM). These scaffolds are usually designed as inserts that can be conveniently included into conventional cell culture workflows. In other instances, 3D scaffolds can be the starting point for complex tissue engineering projects, like developing artificial organs, establishing bioreactors to mass-produce cellular products, or developing lab-grown or cultured meat. Types of 3D cellular scaffolds we offer for applications are highlighted below. 

Four transparent and semi-transparent plastic rings of varying sizes and designs, some with metal pins or teeth-like structures, laid out against a white background. These appear to be components possibly used in mechanical or laboratory settings.

Nanofiber Scaffolds

Nanofiber cell culture dishes, multiwell plates and plate inserts help to bridge the gap between 2D and 3D cell culture. Nanofibers are optically transparent to enable imaging and live-cell, real-time quantification of cell mobility. The nanofibers recapitulate the 3D architecture in vivo, and may also be coated with extracellular matrix proteins for applications that require it, such as cancer studies. Cells can be easily recovered from nanofiber scaffolds for downstream analysis.

Cells grown on nanofiber scaffolds have been demonstrated to expand rapidly and differentiate efficiently, and this method is free of the potential effects of support matrices containing animal products. This makes nanofibers optimal for IHC and for stem cell applications. Standard plate dimensions are compatible with automated equipment for high throughput compound screening for drug discovery and ADME/Tox studies. Choose aligned or randomly-oriented fibers in plates or dishes.

Collagen Scaffolds

SpongeCol® scaffolds are collagen sponges with a columnar, porous architecture. These unique columns present a porous network that allows cells and extracellular nutrients to flow in all directions, and that offers an enhanced surface area for cell attachment, facilitating growth and migration. Collagen sponge scaffolds are composed of purified Type I collagen which supports cellular attachment and proliferation. SphereCol® beads are coated with purified Type I human collagen derived from human fibroblast cell culture to enhance natural cell growth and function.

Polystyrene and Polycaprolactone Scaffolds

3D Biotek manufactures a range of porous polystyrene 3D insert scaffolds. Among the benefits of polystyrene are that it promotes cell growth and that it is optically clear for imaging by microscopy. Polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds present an alternative material for 3D tissue culture. PCL is a biodegradable polymer which has been used in the fabrication of surgical implants. Because of its biodegradable properties, it is also an applicable scaffold material for tissue engineering applications. PCL 3D Insert scaffolds are biodegradable with various precisely-controlled porous structures to meet your stem cell/tissue engineering research needs.

CellCrown™ Culture Inserts

CellCrown™ inserts are disposable inserts that immobilize a sample on a 6-, 12-, 24-, 48-, or 96- well plate. In addition to tissue, fibers, foils, membranes, and textiles can be fixed with CellCrown™ inserts in a stable position in the well. The sample may remain in position in the well during media exchange by means of a pipette tip inserted between well wall and the insert.

Related Videos

Video: Nanofiber Solutions

Related Product Literature

Related Product Categories
Biomedical Polymers
We offer an extensive range of natural and synthetic biomedical polymers with advanced properties suitable for all your biomedical applications.
3D Bioprinting
Our comprehensive portfolio of biocompatible materials and bioinks for 3D bioprinting and tissue engineering applications are optimized for high printing fidelity, cell viability and batch-to-batch reproducibility.
Primary Cells
Primary cells are derived directly from living tissue and closely replicate the physiology of biological systems. Our collection includes blood, patient tumor xenografts, and hepatocytes essential for drug screening and ADME/Tox studies.
Mammalian Cell Lines
Cell lines from human and other mammalian species are essential for modeling disease and biological systems, and are critical tools for protein, antibody, virus, and vaccine production. We offer authenticated, contaminant-free cell lines, many in partnership with ECACC.
Hydrogels
Develop advanced cellular models: 3D hydrogels mimic physiological tissues. Opt for natural or synthetic hydrogels for precise attributes.
Cell Isolation Kits
Perform safe, efficient isolation with high yields of stem cells and other critical cell phenotypes, preadipocytes, nuclei, and subcellular complexes such as proteasomes.
Millicell® Cell Culture Inserts & Plates
Enhance cell culture with Millicell® inserts, plates, chamber slides, flasks. Achieve biologically relevant growth, choose hanging or standing inserts.
CellASIC® ONIX2 Microfluidics
The CellASIC® ONIX2 Microfluidic System is a powerful, automated platform that allows precise manipulation of the cell culture environment for live-cell imaging and analysis using mammalian, yeast, and bacterial cells.
Related Applications
Mammalian Cell Culture
Applications, principles, and methods for in vitro mammalian cell culture including links to articles, protocols, and videos for proper aseptic technique, passaging and subculturing, and culture media considerations.
Primary Cell Culture Techniques
Cultivate mammalian primary cells for ADME/Tox screening, maintaining physiological relevance for accurate results.
Stem Cell Culture
An overview of different stem cell types, stem cell culture basics and stem cell applications in basic research and clinical research applications, such as tissue regeneration, genetic diseases and cancer.
3D Cell Culture
Explore scaffold and scaffold-free methods for three-dimensional (3D) cell culture, including organoids and spheroids.
Cell Growth & Maintenance
A synopsis of the conditions, media, nutrients, cultureware, and environments required for successful propagation of mammalian and yeast cells. Nutrient reagents, sterile technique and filtration, and requirements for 2D, 3D, and suspension cultures are described.
3D Bioprinting
Bioprinting is a method of 3D printing with bioinks and living cells to generate tissue- and organ-like structures for medical and diagnostic applications.
Tissue Engineering
Tissue engineering fabricates tissues cultures from scaffolds, living cells, and biologically active molecules by simulating the microenvironment of the body to repair or replace damaged tissue.
Live Cell Imaging Analysis
Live cell imaging tools enable analysis in cell trafficking, gene expression, migration, 3D culture, and cytoskeletal dynamics.
Inicie sesión para continuar.

Para seguir leyendo, inicie sesión o cree una cuenta.

¿No tiene una cuenta?