A Century Of Cell Culture And The Rise Of Organ-Chips

After more than a century, Ross Granville Harrison's pioneering work is recognized as the inception of modern two-dimensional (2D) cell culture, a foundational approach in biological research. By isolating cells from the complex environment of a living organism, researchers can obtain detailed insights into the behavior of a cell and what factors influence it. Despite its advantages, 2D cell culture suffers from its artificial nature; cells grown in isolation on plastic surfaces in stagnant media exhibit abnormal behavior compared to cells in vivo. Consequently, findings from 2D culture may not accurately predict cell behavior in vivo.

To enhance the accuracy of cell culture while retaining its advantages, researchers have developed three-dimensional (3D) culture techniques that promote cell behavior akin to in vivo conditions. These advancements enable more precise modeling of human physiology, diseases, and responses to therapeutics. Continue reading for a concise overview of 3D cell culture and how it is advancing in vitro research.