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Updated: Jun 27, 2026

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Ordering Single Cells and Single Embryos in 3D Confinement: A New Device for High Content Screening
Published on: September 18, 2016
3D cell culture opens new dimensions in cell-based assays
Bradley A Justice1, Nadia A Badr, Robin A Felder
1Global Cell Solutions, Inc., 770 Harris Street, Suite 104, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA. brad.justice@globalcellsolutions.com
Drug Discovery Today
|December 4, 2008
Summary
Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture methods offer in vivo-like data but face adoption challenges. This review evaluates membranes, sponges/gels, and microcarriers for high-content screening integration.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Cell Biology
- Drug Discovery
Background:
- Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture advances understanding of cellular behavior, mimicking in vivo conditions.
- Slow adoption by cell-based screening groups is attributed to issues with consistency, scale, and cost.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current 3D cell culture technologies for their suitability in high-content screening.
- To evaluate the historical development and research applications of selected 3D culture methods.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on 3D cell culture technologies.
- Analysis of three specific technologies: membranes, sponges/gels, and microcarriers.
- Evaluation of these technologies for compatibility with automated cell-based screening.
Main Results:
- Membranes, sponges/gels, and microcarriers are key 3D cell culture technologies.
- Each technology has unique research applications and historical development.
- Assessment of their utility in modern automated screening equipment is provided.
Conclusions:
- Rethinking 3D cell culture adoption is necessary for next-generation screening.
- Ensuring 3D cell cultures provide relevant in vivo-like data is crucial.
- The evaluated technologies offer potential solutions for integrating 3D cultures into screening workflows.

