Cell culture is an essential tool in biomedical research, utilized for the study of a wide range of cellular processes and the development of medicines to treat diseases. However, traditional cell culture methods often encounter several challenges, such as difficulties in cell viability, proliferation, and differentiation. These challenges are due in part to the limitations of culturing cells in 2D models, which fails to mimic the complex 3D microenvironments that cells experience in vivo. The use of Cellerator technology has been developed to address these limitations and break down the barriers in cell culture.
Cellerator technology is a novel cell culture platform that enhances cell growth and differentiation in 3D microenvironments. The technology utilizes a combination of microfluidics and electrokinetics, which allows for precise control over the microenvironment surrounding cells. Cellerator uses a microfluidic chamber to provide uniform oxygen and nutrient gradients throughout the cell culture. This provides a 3D microenvironment that mimics the body’s physiological conditions, which significantly enhances the viability and proliferation of cells.
Traditionally, researchers have used Petri dishes or flasks as a standard for cell culture. The surface area provided by these 2D models is quite limited, leading to overcrowding of cultured cells, which ultimately affects cell viability and differentiation. However, the Cellerator technology is designed to support the growth of cells in 3D structures, which allows for a larger cell population without overcrowding the culture. This results in a higher number of viable and functional cells, making the Cellerator platform an optimal choice for cellular studies.
Another challenge faced in traditional cell culture is the difficulty in the maintenance of cellular phenotype. In 2D models, cells can often lose their differentiated state or exhibit characteristics of another cell type, making them difficult to study accurately. However, Cellerator is designed to mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM) of cells, providing a 3D microenvironment that favors cell differentiation and function. By mimicking the ECM of cells, Cellerator technology enables the maintenance of cellular phenotype, resulting in consistent and reproducible experimental outcomes.
The Cellerator system also allows for the customization of various cellerator parameters for optimal cell growth, including precise control of oxygen and nutrient gradients. This control enables researchers to study the effects of different concentrations of nutrients and oxygen on cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation. The system also allows for the profiling of specific drugs and screening of new compounds for disease treatment. This feature makes the Cellerator platform an attractive choice for the discovery of new medicines for different diseases.
Several researchers have already utilized Cellerator technology in their studies with promising results. For instance, researchers have utilized Cellerator to recreate complex microvascular structures in vitro, mimicking the in vivo microenvironment. The team successfully cultured endothelial cells and pericytes in the Cellerator system, and they were able to observe sprouting angiogenesis, a critical step in the development of new blood vessels. Therefore, the Cellerator platform offers an ideal model for the study of angiogenesis and the development of new treatments for vascular disorders.
Another research group has utilized Cellerator to study the regulation of the innate immune response to infectious diseases. Using Cellerator, the research team constructed a 3D model of the human alveoli, mimicking the physiological microenvironment. The researchers were able to investigate the complex interaction between immune cells and bacteria and observed cytokines and chemokine release in response to bacterial infection. Thus, the Cellerator system offers a powerful tool for the study of infectious diseases and drug discovery.
In conclusion, Cellerator technology is a game-changer in the field of cellular research. The technology provides a 3D microenvironment that accurately mimics in vivo conditions, resulting in more viable and functional cells. The versatility of the system enables the customization of different parameters to fit specific research needs, making it useful in various disease studies. Cellerator technology has already been useful in several groundbreaking studies, breaking down the barriers in cell culture and revolutionizing biomedical research.