Importance of 3D culture system

ECM sandwiching Mimics aspects of native ECM Simple to use Limited 3D organization Degradable Variable consistency 

ECM hydrogels Mimics aspects of native ECM Good cell-cell interaction Mass transfer barriers Cell retrieval issues Degradable Variable consistency 

Alginate sponges Good cell-cell interaction Uses animal-free biomolecules Relatively easy to make Isolated spheroid cultures Co-cultures difficult Mass transfer barriers Degradable 

Spheroid cultures Good eeU-eeU interaction Relatively easy to create Cannot create complex structures Suffer from necrotic centers Organized co-cultures difficult Limited by spheroid size 

Self-assembly peptide fibers Mimics specific ECM peptide fibers Reproducible Poor mechanical properties Relatively expensive to produce Degradable 

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