Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 2, 2025
10:33
Assessing Cell Viability and Death in 3D Spheroid Cultures of Cancer Cells
Published on: June 16, 2019
28.3K
3D or not 3D: a guide to assess cell viability in 3D cell systems
Polina Bikmulina1, Nastasia Kosheleva1,2,3, Yuri Efremov1,2
1World-Class Research Center "Digital biodesign and personalized healthcare", Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia. timashev_p_s@staff.sechenov.ru.
Soft Matter
|March 1, 2022
Summary
Assessing cell viability in 3D tissue models requires multiple methods. This study optimizes standard assays for 3D collagen and fibrin systems, ensuring reproducible results for tissue engineering and drug testing.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Cell viability is crucial for tissue engineering, drug testing, and biomaterial development.
- Conventional 2D cell culture assays are insufficient for evaluating 3D tissue constructs and host-pathogen interactions.
- 3D cell systems offer a more relevant model for biological processes but require adapted viability assessment methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of 3D cell system parameters (e.g., component concentration, gel thickness, cell density) on cell viability.
- To evaluate the applicability of standard cell viability assays in 3D collagen and fibrin-based systems.
- To develop a reproducible approach for accurate cell viability assessment in 3D cell cultures.
Main Methods:
- Utilized 3D collagen and fibrin-based cell culture systems.
- Applied standard cell viability assays: Live/Dead, AlamarBlue, and PicoGreen.
- Analyzed the influence of varying 3D system parameters on assay performance and results.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated that standard assays can be adapted for reproducible cell viability assessment in 3D systems.
- Identified key parameters influencing assay outcomes in 3D environments.
- Showcased the effectiveness of Live/Dead, AlamarBlue, and PicoGreen assays in 3D collagen and fibrin matrices.
Conclusions:
- A combination of at least three distinct cell viability assays is recommended for comprehensive analysis of 3D systems.
- Assays should target different cellular properties, such as metabolic activity, proliferative capacity, and cell morphology.
- This approach ensures accurate and reproducible cell viability measurements in complex 3D tissue models.
