ABSTRACT
Two-dimensional cell culture refers to the practice of growing homogenous cell populations, in monolayer, on a plastic culture surface (Figure 2.1). This method of maintaining and expanding cells has been instrumental to expanding our understanding of how cells interact under a wide variety of conditions. This technique has been so successful,
2.1 Summary of Three-Dimensional Cell Culture: A Brief Overview of the Field ......................................................................................................29 2.1.1 Legacy and Utility of Two-Dimensional Cell Culture .......................29 2.1.2 Limitations of Two-Dimensional Cell Culture ...................................30 2.1.3 Characteristics of Three-Dimensional Cell Culture ........................... 31 2.1.4 Three Dimensions, The Future of Cell Culture .................................. 31 2.1.5 Challenges Associated with 3D Cell Culture ..................................... 32
2.2 Three-Dimensional Cell Culture Microenvironment ..................................... 32 2.2.1 Extracellular Matrix is Important for Cell Behavior .......................... 33 2.2.2 Molecular Gradients in Three-Dimensional Cell Culture .................. 33
2.3 Scaffolds .........................................................................................................34 2.3.1 Methods and Materials for Scaffolds..................................................34 2.3.2 Challenges Associated with Scaffolds ................................................ 35
2.4 Hydrogels ........................................................................................................ 35 2.4.1 Methods and Materials for Hydrogel Culture ..................................... 35 2.4.2 Challenges Associated with Hydrogel Cell Culture ...........................36
