In situ monitoring of 3D in vitro cell aggregation using an optical imaging system

Bioreactor systems that maintain cells and tissues in suspension are increasingly popular for culturing 3D constructs to avoid the loss of in vivo cell function associated with traditional 2D culture methods. There is a need for the online monitoring of such systems to provide better understanding and control of the processes involved and to prevent the disruption of these processes caused by offline sampling and endpoint analysis. We describe a system for the imaging and analysis of cell aggregation, over long periods, within a high aspect rotating vessel (HARV). The system exploits side illumination, using an adjustable beam pattern, to restrict the detected light to that scattered by the cell aggregates, thus eliminating the need for the fluorescent labeling of the cells. The in situ aggregation of mammalian cells (MCF-7 breast carcinoma cells) was monitored over an 8 h period and image sequences showing the growth and motion of the aggregates within the bioreactor were obtained. Detailed size and population data have been derived characterizing the development of the aggregates during this time. We show how the number of resolvable aggregates increases to reach a peak and then declines as these aggregates merge. Once formed, remaining aggregates are found to consolidate to form more tightly packed bodies, typically reducing in cross-sectional area by one third. These results provide the basis for the development of an automated feedback system to control the growth of 3D cell cultures for repeatable, reliable, and quality controlled experimentation.