Engineering biocompatible polylactic acid (PLA) microcarriers for enhanced 3D cell culture.

This study analyses the performance of polylactic acid (PLA)-collagen microcarriers engineered under laboratory-scale conditions with scalable potential for three-dimensional (3D) cell culture applications. The microcarriers were evaluated for their ability to support cell adhesion, viability, proliferation and conglomerate formation using Caco-2 cells. Results show that PLA-collagen microcarriers significantly improve cell density, with notable proliferation by day 7. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) revealed a rough, porous surface topology that fosters cellular aggregation and conglomerate formation, essential for replicating complex tissue architectures. Multigenerational monitoring using epifluorescence assays demonstrated high nuclear density and sustained cell viability, further supporting the microcarriers’ ability to maintain dense and viable cellular environments. Additionally, Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) confirmed effective cell-microcarrier interactions, validating the bioactivity of the PLA-collagen matrix. These findings underscore the potential of PLA-collagen microcarriers as a versatile and scalable tool for 3D cell culture, with significant applications in bioengineering tumour models, organoid formation, and drug testing. The technology offers a promising approach for advancing preclinical research and regenerative medicine.