Fabrication techniques of biomimetic scaffolds in three‐dimensional cell culture: A review

• Published in: Journal of cellular physiology 2021-02, Vol.236 (2), p.741-762
• Main Authors: Badekila, Anjana K., Kini, Sudarshan, Jaiswal, Amit K.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 3D cell culture; Biomimetics; bioprinting; Cell culture; Cell death; Cell differentiation; Cell division; Cell interactions; Cytoskeleton; Drug screening; Fabrication; fabrication techniques; hydrogels; Mimicry; Scaffolds; Three dimensional models; Tissue engineering; Two dimensional models
• ISSN: 0021-9541; 1097-4652
• DOI: 10.1002/jcp.29935

In the last four decades, several researchers worldwide have routinely and meticulously exercised cell culture experiments in two‐dimensional (2D) platforms. Using traditionally existing 2D models, the therapeutic efficacy of drugs has been inappropriately validated due to the failure in generating the precise therapeutic response. Fortunately, a 3D model addresses the foregoing limitations by recapitulating the in vivo environment. In this context, one has to contemplate the design of an appropriate scaffold for favoring the organization of cell microenvironment. Instituting pertinent model on the platter will pave way for a precise mimicking of in vivo conditions. It is because animal cells in scaffolds oblige spontaneous formation of 3D colonies that molecularly, phenotypically, and histologically resemble the native environment. The 3D culture provides insight into the biochemical aspects of cell–cell communication, plasticity, cell division, cytoskeletal reorganization, signaling mechanisms, differentiation, and cell death. Focusing on these criteria, this paper discusses in detail, the diversification of polymeric scaffolds based on their available resources. The paper also reviews the well‐founded and latest techniques of scaffold fabrication, and their applications pertaining to tissue engineering, drug screening, and tumor model development. Applications of three‐dimensional culture in drug screening, replication of tumor microenvironment for disease modeling, implantation of the scaffold into impaired bone, biosensors, wound healing and organ development in vitro.