Collagen, a main component of the extracellular matrix (ECM), plays an important role in cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. Beyond traditional 2-dimensional (2D) cell culture methods, collagen has been used to develop scaffolds in 3-dimensional (3D) cell culture. The 3D cell culture systems provide a more physiologically relevant environment by closely mimicking native tissue conditions. This is particularly important for analyzing cellular functions, interactions, and responses in a more natural context that 2D cultures often fail to replicate.
Many studies have compared 2D and 3D cultures using primary cells, spheroids and organoids, particularly in drug discovery. These comparisons consistently show the superior performance of 3D cultures over 2D cultures. This increased physiological function in 3D culture can lead to more accurate and reliable results in drug discovery, personalized medicine, and cosmetic research.
Chondrex, Inc. offers cell culture grade collagen for plate coating in 2D culture and collagen-based scaffolds for 3D culture, as well as a 3D culture system without scaffolds: Tapered Stencil for Cluster Culture (TASCL). These products allow researchers to select the most appropriate culture method tailored to their specific experimental objectives and study goals (1-4).
Collagen
| Product | Catalog # | Price (USD) | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Cell Culture Grade Bovine Type I Collagen | 1202 | 144.00 |
 |
Cell Culture Grade Porcine Type I Collagen | 1203 | 144.00 |
Non-Scaffold 3D Culture Devices
| Product | Catalog # | Price (USD) | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
TASCL 1000 | CTASCL6WELL1000 | 330.00 |
 |
TASCL 600 | CTASCL6WELL600 | 330.00 |
 |
TASCL One Dish 1000 | CTASCLDISH1000 | 130.00 |
|
TASCL One Dish 600 | CTASCLDISH600 | 130.00 |
1. Comparing the two 3D culture systems
Scaffold-based 3D cell culture systems (collagen):
Advantages:
- Mimicry of native ECM
- Precise Architectural Control
- Versatility in Tissue Engineering
Limitations:
- Material variability: scaffold materials can introduce variability into experiments
- Potential for immunogenicity
- Fabrication complexity
Non-scaffold-based 3D cell culture systems (TASCL)
Advantages:
- Physiological cell-cell interactions
- Simplified experimental design
- Elimination of material-induced artifacts
Limitations:
- Limited structural support
- Reduced architectural control
- Challenges in long-term maintenance
2. What is Tapered Stencil for Cluster Culture (TASCL)?
TASCL is a microplate cell culture system that can easily be utilized for 3D cell culture and inducing cell differentiation. TASCL devices have the following three features developed by fine processing technology and surface treatment technology.
Key features of TASCL:
- Uniformly sized 3D cell cluster (~3600 or ~6000 per set) production
- High cell viability and long-term culture with enhanced gas and media exchange through a permeable bottom surface
- User-friendly format with no centrifugation and easy media exchange and microscopic observation.
Figure 1. TASCL Culture System
Table 1. Two types of TASCL depending on cluster size and number of cells for study purposes.
Figure 2. Distribution of clutter size of hiPS cells in two types of TASCL
References
- C. Ma, X. Duan, X. Lei, 3D cell culture model: From ground experiment to microgravity study. Front. Bioeng. Biotechnol. 11, 1136583 (2023).
- B. M. Baker, C. S. Chen, Deconstructing the third dimension: how 3D culture microenvironments alter cellular cues. J. Cell Sci. 125, 3015–3024 (2012).
- Y. Miyamoto, M. Ikeuchi, H. Noguchi, T. Yagi, S. Hayashi, Three-dimensional in vitro hepatic constructs formed using combinatorial tapered stencil for cluster culture (TASCL) device. Cell Med. 7, 67–74 (2015).
- Y. Miyamoto, M. Ikeuchi, H. Noguchi, T. Yagi, S. Hayashi, Spheroid formation and evaluation of hepatic cells in a three-dimensional culture device. Cell Med. 8, 47–56 (2015).