Table 1 Comparison of the key features of 3D systems
From: Culture of vibrating microtome tissue slices as a 3D model in biomedical research
| Â | Organoids | Organ-on-chip | Bioprinting | Tissue slices |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Attainable complexity | Scalable, highly complex cellular composition by the combination of primary cells, stem cells and their progeny possible | Scalable, highly complex cellular composition and culture environments are possible | Highly defined and controlled assembling of cell types and matrices possible | Retain the original tissue architecture and complexity |
Cell damage | Low or absent, but necrotic cores possible | Low or absent | Potentially high (temperature, shear stress) | Damage of adjacent cells unavoidable |
Long-term culture | Virtually unlimited due to passaging (subcultivation) | Weeks to months, depending on the specific cell turnover and matrix properties | Depends on the specific cell turnover and matrix properties | Usually days to weeks |
Non-preparative sampling | Supernatant, 3D imaging. Access to the apical surface may be difficult | Supernatants (compartment-wise, but limited volumes), sensor readouts; 3D imaging challenging | Supernatant, 3D imaging | Supernatant, 3D imaging |
User-friendliness | Requires rather complex cell culture medium and additives | Sophisticated culture devices can be quite costly, time-consuming, and challenging to operate | Requires complex technologies, may be challenging in terms of operation and costs | Easy operation but requires recurrent tissue supply |