Three-Dimensional Culture System: A New Frontier in Cancer Research, Drug Discovery, and Stem Cell-Based Therapy
Guya Diletta Marconi, A. Mazzone, Ylenia Della Rocca, Oriana Trubiani, Jacopo Pizzicannella, Francesca Diomede
Abstract
Two-dimensional culture systems have been used for a long time in the research field but their disadvantages make it difficult to reproduce the in vivo environment. Three-dimensional culture systems overcome these limitations, simulating the physiological context of an organism, from the molecular level to the cellular, tissue, and organ complexity levels. This review focuses on 3D cellular models, such as spheroids and tumoroids, which reproduce tumor heterogeneity and microenvironments. It also includes 3D cultures of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), particularly those derived from teeth. In conclusion, 3D models are profoundly impacting the biomedical field by offering more accurate in vitro platforms for drug development and disease modeling, thereby significantly reducing the reliance on animal testing and leading to the advancement of personalized and regenerative medicine.