How 3D Microfluidic Cell Culture Provide Dynamic Microenvironments?

Biomedical research is a dynamic field where precision and innovation form the basis of success. In recent years, 3D microfluidic cell culture has emerged as an innovative frontier in biomedical research. Have you ever wondered how scientists and researchers can recreate the complex environments of living tissues on a microscopic level?

The 3D microfluidic cell culture technology has changed the way we perceive drug interactions and cell behavior by facilitating the recreation of intricate, lifelike environments. In this blog, we dive into the fascinating realm of microfluidic cell culture that combines microengineering and biology. Also, we shed light on how 3D microfluidic systems are transforming the landscape of cellular research.

Quick Overview of Cell Culture and Microfluidics

Cell culture, also known as tissue culture, is the process of growing cells under controlled conditions. These cells are typically grown outside their natural environment. The removal of the cells from the tissue may be done directly and then disaggregated using mechanical or enzymatic means before cultivation. In other instances, the cells for cell culture may be derived from an already established cell line or cell strain.

Microfluidics is the study of systems that manipulate small quantities of fluids by using channels with sizes ranging from tens to hundreds of micrometers. These systems are developed using a simple technique called photolithography, which transfers geometrically masked shapes to a suitable substrate. Photolithography employs special polymers that create to specific wavelengths of light to obtain the desired geometric patterns.

Limitations of Classic Cell Culture

Classic cell culture and in vivo studies provide several ways to analyze the interaction of cell cultures. However, they have a few shortcomings. Both animal and human in vivo models provide most realistic outcomes. Human in vivo studies can only be conducted when they have performed in animal studies adhering to stringent safety protocols. For instance, in drug discovery and development, the approval of new drugs is highly expensive, consumes a lot of time and carries some major ethical concerns.

Besides, the outcomes of animal studies can’t be directly translated to humans. This is because there are notable differences in cellular behavior and enzyme activities between different human and animal species. Nevertheless, in vivo models provide a reliable interaction of diverse cell tissues and their physiological activities.

When is Microfluidic Cell Culture Used?

Microfluidic cell culture is used when:

• Cell culture necessitates long run time and constant monitoring
• Tracking of cellular responses is needed
• Dynamic, controlled microenvironments are needed
• For small volumes that need minimal handling of events

How 3D Microfluidic Cell Culture has Become Indispensable?

3D microfluidic cell culture is the next advancement in-vitro modeling of interconnected organoids, also known as organs on chips. It can provide new insights into the interaction of different cell types in artificial environment. Microfluidic cell culture allows for the modelling of tissue-tissue-interfaces and offer crucial information into physiological disorders. Furthermore, it provides an easy way to investigate the signaling between various organs. Thus, diverse organs-onchip can be linked in a microfluidic cell culture system with same source to enable the communication of different cell types.

3D microfluidic cell culture technically provides enhanced spatio-temporal control over the microenvironment. Also, it offers diverse ways for analyzing the cell culture. Furthermore, it can work with medium evaporation and allows for automatic operations. What’s more, 3D microfluidic cell culture can provide an easy way to understand pathologies owing to their ability to provide controlled modification of the modelled processes.

Advantages of 3D Microfluidic Cell Culture

Here are some of the many advantages of using 3D microfluidic cell culture:

• Offers high degree of control over the culture environments
• Allows the measurement of dose delivery up to femtoliters
• Provides high control over cell number and density of cells
• Enables precise control over cell monitoring and cell placement
• Has the ability to culture cells in structure that can mimic the organization of tissues

Applications of 3D Microfluidic Cell Culture

Below are the current and potential applications of microfluidic cell culture devices:

• Development of novel bioassays to monitor the response of patients to therapy.
• Improvements in the quantification of RNA sequencing, NGS sequencing and single cell gene expression
• Analytical applications for the manufacturing and use of biopharmaceuticals.
• Development of diagnostic bioassays that facilitate disease screening and biomarker research.
• Controlled recovery of single cells from microfluidic cell culture chips.

How Leading Companies Drive Market Development?

InSphero AG, Emulate Inc., CN Bio Innovations Ltd., TissUse GmbH, MIMETAS BV, Kirkstall Ltd., Hurel Corporation, and AIM Biotech are some of the key players in the 3D microfluidic cell culture market. These companies focus on innovation and research and development initiatives to meet the rising demand for accurate cell culture models. Also, they are increasingly integrating artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies for improving production capacity.

Here are some of the latest developments in the market:

• In May 2024, InSphero AG announced its exclusive commercialization partnership with Genome Biologics. With the new partnership, InSphero AG will have the exclusive global rights for the commercialization of Genome Biologics' advanced 3D Cardiac Organoid Platform. The platform leads cardiac disease research by promoting the development of precise and scalable organoid models.
• In April 2024, leading microphysical systems provider CN Bio revealed that it had secured a $21 million investment in its Series B funding. The new funding will allow the firm to expand its product development and scale the organization to meet increasing market demands.

Developing Relevant Scenarios

Microfluidics, an advanced technique combining several disciplines, has shown several promising applications in biomedical research. It can accurately model several complex processes in cell culture. While 3D microfluidic cell culture may appear sophisticated to first time users, it gets easy once understood. As research advances, the use of 3D microfluidic cell culture devices in the development of relevant in vitro scenarios in basic processes is anticipated to rise.