Organoid Culture
The current cell models used in complex screening tests are usually too simple and rely on the 2D culture of cells. However, the performance behavior of two-dimensional cells is usually different from that of the natural environment. The most extensive 3D model is a sphere formed by cell clusters. In the sphere, cells can interact with the surrounding environment in 3 dimensions.
Organoids are designed to imitate the 3D cell structure of specific organs, capable of self-organizing and generalizing the structural and functional characteristics of their matching parts in the body. They use assembled structures to replace target organs, which makes them promising to reduce the distance between in vivo and in vitro models. With the development of organoid science, microfluidic technology can solve some of the main challenges faced by organoid research.
Organoid Culture in Micro-beads Microfluidics
Microfluidic technology based on microbeads is a powerful technology. Droplet or digital microfluidics aims to form water-in-oil or oil-in-water emulsions through the use of micro-machined chips, which can ensure the formation of droplets with controlled size, shape, and monodispersity at high throughput. This method has been successfully applied to cell culture, aiming to encapsulate cells in micron-sized hydrogel beads.
Figure.1 (A) Schematic of microsphere fabrication via microfluidics. (B) An image of microsphere fabrication via microfluidics. (C) A schematic of the T-junction. (Imaninezhad M, et al. 2019)
For example, transfer siRNA to 3D organoids cultured in Matrigel beads. In this study, this method was used to produce Matrigel beads in high yield. Every single bead can be regarded as a single "bioreactor" for 3D epithelial cell culture. The main advantage is the reduction of costs associated with miniaturization, high reproducibility, and high-throughput screening capabilities.
Benefits of Organoid Culture in Micro-beads
- Monodispersity
- Matrix volume reduction
- Easy to handle
- Each bead is regarded as a single "bioreactor" for 3D cell culture
- Each encapsulated cell produces an organoid derived from the clonal origin
- Microbeads with embedded organoids can be cryopreserved for a long time
| 2D Cell Culture | Standard 3D Cell Culture | 3D Cell Culture in Micro-beads | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Control Over 3D Culture | --- | Low | High |
| Biological Relevance | Low | High | High |
| Transfection Efficiency | High | Low | High |
| Clonality | No | No | Yes |
| High Throughput | Yes | No | Yes |
| Cost | Low | High | Medium |
| Easy Handling | Yes | No | Yes |
| Long Term Storage | Yes | No | Yes |
What Can Alfa Chemistry Do for You?
We have a professional microfluidic technology team that can provide customers with professional, high-quality single-chip organ design and customization services. No matter what design ideas you have, we will implement them together with you. Please contact us for more details.
References
- Imaninezhad M, et al. (2019). "Templated Macroporous Polyethylene Glycol Hydrogels for Spheroid and Aggregate Cell Culture." Bioconjugate Chemistry. 30(1): 34-46.
- Laperrousaz B, et al. (2018). "Direct Transfection of Clonal Organoids in Matrigel Microbeads: A Promising Approach toward Organoid-based Genetic Screens." Nucleic Acids Research. 46(12): e70.
Our products and services are for research use only.
Without the support of our customers, our progress cannot be achieved. If you do not see a specific product
or service or would like to request a quote,
please contact us to inquire with a member from our Sales Team.