Three-dimensional extracellular matrix substrates for cell culture.

In summary, the understanding of cell biology will be furthered as cell culture expands from 2-D to 3-D systems. In choosing which substrate, synthetic or biologically derived, is most well suited for a specific application, substrate composition and structure as well as cell type(s) must be carefully considered. In addition, optimization of seeding densities, medium conditions, growth factor supplements, and other culture parameters may be necessary. Finally, cytometric analyses of such 3-D culture systems will require concurrent innovations in 3-D imaging and methods for quantitating cell morphology, phenotype, and function.