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Updated: Jul 9, 2026
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Single-Cell Resolution Three-Dimensional Imaging of Intact Organoids
Published on: June 5, 2020
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An enzyme-free alcohol-based organoid harvesting solution
Jimmy Maillard1, Lisa Pickard1, Udai Banerji1,2
1Clinical Pharmacology Adaptive Therapy group. Division of Clinical Studies and Division of Cancer Therapeutics, Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK.
Biotechniques
|July 11, 2025
Summary
We developed SHOE, an alcohol-based solution for efficiently harvesting 3D cell cultures like organoids. This method offers rapid, high-yield recovery at room temperature, preserving cell structure for future use.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Cell Biology
- Drug Development
Background:
- Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture models offer greater physiological relevance than 2D models for drug development.
- Current 3D cell culture methods often involve embedding cells in matrices, mimicking in vivo conditions and enabling scalable cultures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a novel, efficient method for harvesting 3D cell cultures, including organoids.
- To evaluate the efficacy of the new harvesting solution on various cell models.
Main Methods:
- Development of an alcohol-based solution for harvesting 3D cell cultures, named SHOE (Solution for Harvesting Organoids Efficiently).
- Testing SHOE on 2 cell lines cultured as spheroids and 2 patient-derived organoids.
- Assessing cell recovery yield, structural integrity, and post-harvesting growth potential.
Main Results:
- SHOE enables rapid cell recovery at room temperature (RT).
- The solution provides high-yield cell recovery, surpassing standard protocols.
- SHOE preserves the 3D structure of organoids and spheroids, allowing for successful subsequent passages.
Conclusions:
- SHOE offers a faster, more efficient alternative to traditional methods for harvesting 3D cell cultures.
- This technique simplifies 3D cell culture workflows and maintains cell viability and structural integrity.
- SHOE is a valuable tool for advancing drug development and regenerative medicine research using 3D models.
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