Recent Advances in Multicellular Tumor Spheroid Generation for Drug Screening
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 12, 2025
Generation of High-Throughput Three-Dimensional Tumor Spheroids for Drug Screening
Published on: September 5, 2018
1School of Integrative Engineering, Chung-Ang University, 84 Heukseuk-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul 06974, Korea.
Abstract:
Multicellular tumor spheroids (MCTs) have been employed in biomedical fields owing to their advantage in designing a three-dimensional (3D) solid tumor model. For controlling multicellular cancer spheroids, mimicking the tumor extracellular matrix (ECM) microenvironment is important to understand cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. In drug cytotoxicity assessments, MCTs provide better mimicry of conventional solid tumors that can precisely represent anticancer drug candidates' effects. To generate incubate multicellular spheroids, researchers have developed several 3D multicellular spheroid culture technologies to establish a research background and a platform using tumor modelingvia advanced materials science, and biosensing techniques for drug-screening. In application, drug screening was performed in both invasive and non-invasive manners, according to their impact on the spheroids. Here, we review the trend of 3D spheroid culture technology and culture platforms, and their combination with various biosensing techniques for drug screening in the biomedical field.
Insights
Multicellular tumor spheroids (MCTs) offer a 3D model for studying cancer and drug effects. Advanced culture and biosensing techniques enhance drug screening accuracy for better cancer therapeutics.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cancer Research
- Drug Discovery
Background:
- Multicellular tumor spheroids (MCTs) are valuable 3D models for solid tumors.
- Mimicking the tumor extracellular matrix (ECM) is crucial for understanding cellular interactions.
- MCTs offer improved mimicry of in vivo tumors for drug cytotoxicity assessments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review trends in 3D spheroid culture technologies and platforms.
- To explore the integration of biosensing techniques with spheroid models for drug screening.
- To highlight advancements in creating realistic tumor microenvironments for research.
Main Methods:
- Development of advanced 3D multicellular spheroid culture technologies.
- Integration of materials science and biosensing techniques for tumor modeling.
- Application of invasive and non-invasive drug screening methods using spheroids.
Main Results:
- Various 3D spheroid culture technologies have been established for research.
- Biosensing techniques combined with spheroid platforms enable precise drug screening.
- MCTs accurately represent anticancer drug efficacy in a tumor-like environment.
Conclusions:
- 3D spheroid culture and biosensing technologies are advancing cancer research and drug development.
- These integrated approaches provide a more accurate platform for evaluating drug candidates.
- The review highlights the potential of these technologies for future biomedical applications.
