Dynamic three-dimensional cell-culture systems for enhanced in vitro applications

The advent of dynamic three-dimensional cell cultures has transformed the field of biological research as they bridge the gap between in vitro and in vivo systems. 3D cell-culture techniques can be categorized into two types: static and dynamic culture systems. Traditional cell-culture models are considered to be 'static' in nature, as the cells are grown on matrices or scaffolds with little focus given to the complexity of the growth conditions that exist in the in vivo tissue microenvironments (presence of continuous blood supply for the development of tumour vasculature). Thus, static 3D cultures do not accurately mimic in vivo cellular architecture and function. The development of a 'dynamic' culture environment has offered 3D culture models with the potential to improve the 'naturalness' of the cells being cultured and thereby have more in vivo relevance for translational research. This makes them relatively more superior than single cell-type static 3D cell cultures. Dynamic systems include magnetic- and acoustic-based assembly devices, micropocket cultures, dielectrophoretic and microfluidic platforms. Microfluidic devices might be the most versatile of these culture platforms, considering their engineering diversity, their potential to improve molecular crosstalk among culture elements and their prospective range of applications.