A High-Throughput Workflow to Study Remodeling of Extracellular Matrix-Based Microtissues
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 2, 2026

3D Microtissues for Injectable Regenerative Therapy and High-throughput Drug Screening
Published on: October 4, 2017
Katherine A Cummins1, Alexandra L Crampton1, David K Wood1
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Impact Statement:
The described microtissue-microwell workflow is uniquely suited for high-throughput study of extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling at the molecular, cellular, and tissue levels and demonstrates possibilities of studying progressive, heterogeneous diseases in a way that is meaningful for drug discovery and development. We outline several assays that can be utilized in studying tissue-level diseases and functions that involve cell-ECM interactions and ECM remodeling (e.g., cancer, fibrosis, wound healing) in pursuit of an improved three-dimensional cell culturing system. Finally, we demonstrate the ability to cryopreserve cells encapsulated in microtissue constructs while remaining highly viable, proliferative, and retaining cell functions that are involved in ECM remodeling.
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