Naked Liquid Marbles: A Robust Three-Dimensional Low-Volume Cell-Culturing System.

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Cell Biology
• Drug Discovery

Background:

• 3D cell culture models offer more in vivo-like environments than traditional 2D methods.
• Existing 3D culture techniques are often limited by poor reproducibility, high cost, and labor intensity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel, reproducible, and cost-effective 3D cell culture platform.
• To demonstrate the utility of this platform for various cell-based assays.

Main Methods:

• Development of the naked liquid marble (NLM) platform using superhydrophobic-coated plates.
• Culturing cells within liquid drops to promote natural 3D spheroid formation.
• Utilizing automated liquid handling for NLM production.

Main Results:

• NLMs facilitate rapid formation of uniform 3D spheroids within 24 hours.
• The NLM system demonstrates high reproducibility and suitability for cell coculture.
• Compatibility with laboratory automation systems was confirmed.

Conclusions:

• The naked liquid marble platform provides an efficient, low-cost, and reproducible method for 3D cell culture.
• This technology is well-suited for high-throughput screening, including drug testing and other cell-based research applications.