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Magnetic-Based Human Tissue 3D Cell Culture: A Systematic Review
Inês Alexandra Marques1,2,3, Carolina Fernandes1,4, Nuno Tiago Tavares1,5
1Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR) Area of Environment, Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Institute of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal.
Magnetic-based 3D (m3D) cell culture systems offer advanced in vivo mimicry for biomedical research. This review highlights their growing use in tissue modeling, with potential yet to be fully realized in areas like cancer research.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cell Biology
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Traditional 2D cell cultures lack in vivo microenvironment complexity.
- Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture models are increasingly vital for accurately mimicking human tissues.
- Magnetic-based 3D (m3D) systems offer novel approaches for creating 3D cell aggregates.
Approach:
- A systematic review of Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science databases (until February 2022) was conducted.
- Identified 25 studies using m3D culture systems to mimic human tissues from 3784 initial records.
- Analyzed the usability of m3D systems for homotypic/heterotypic spheroid development and explored methodological differences.
Key Points:
- m3D systems utilize magnetic fields for cell levitation, bioprinting, or ring formation to create 3D structures.
- Bioprinting and levitation are the most common m3D techniques for generating homotypic or heterotypic cultures.
- m3D cultures are primarily used to mimic human tissue physiology and for therapeutic screening.
Conclusions:
- The application of m3D cell culture systems is expanding, particularly for tissue mimicry and drug screening.
- Magnetic-based 3D culture shows significant promise for advancing biomedical research and in vitro modeling.
- Further exploration is needed in specific research areas, notably cancer research, to fully leverage m3D technology.
