A 3D Toolbox to Enhance Physiological Relevance of Human Tissue Models

• Published in: Trends in biotechnology (Regular ed.) 2016-09, Vol.34 (9), p.757-769
• Main Authors: Picollet-D’hahan, Nathalie, Dolega, Monika E, Liguori, Lavinia, Marquette, Christophe, Le Gac, Séverine, Gidrol, Xavier, Martin, Donald K
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 3D models; 3D scaffolds; Architectural engineering; Biomarkers; Cancer; Cell culture; Cell Culture Techniques; Cells, Cultured; Exocrine glands; Extracellular Matrix; Humans; Internal Medicine; Medical research; Membranes; Microfluidic Analytical Techniques; microfluidics; microtechnologies; Models, Biological; Organoids; organs-on-chip; Physiology; R&D; Research & development; Shear stress; Three dimensional imaging; Tissue Array Analysis; Tissue Engineering; Tissue Scaffolds
• ISSN: 0167-7799; 1879-3096
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2016.06.012

We discuss the current challenges and future prospects of flow-based organoid models and 3D self-assembling scaffolds. The existing paradigm of 3D culture suffers from a lack of control over organoid size and shape; can be an obstacle for cell harvesting and extended cellular and molecular analysis; and does not provide access to the function of exocrine glands. Moreover, existing organ-on-chip models are mostly composed of 2D extracellular matrix (ECM)-coated elastomeric membranes that do not mimic real organ architectures. A new comprehensive 3D toolbox for cell biology has emerged to address some of these issues. Advances in microfabrication and cell-culturing approaches enable the engineering of sophisticated models that mimic organ 3D architectures and physiological conditions, while supporting flow-based drug screening and secretomics-based diagnosis.