How do you choose the appropriate cell culture techniques for bioengineering?

2 Adherent vs. Suspension Cells

Another important factor to consider when choosing a cell culture technique is whether to use adherent or suspension cells. Adherent cells require a solid surface to attach and grow, such as a plastic dish or a scaffold. Suspension cells can grow freely in a liquid medium, such as a flask or a bioreactor. Adherent cells are more suitable for studying cell-matrix interactions, tissue engineering, and drug delivery. Suspension cells are more suitable for producing large quantities of cells, proteins, or vaccines. However, adherent cells can be converted to suspension cells, and vice versa, by using specific methods and agents.

3 2D vs. 3D Cell Culture

The third major aspect to consider when choosing a cell culture technique is whether to use two-dimensional (2D) or three-dimensional (3D) cell culture. 2D cell culture is the traditional method of growing cells on a flat surface, such as a Petri dish or a microplate. 3D cell culture is the emerging method of growing cells in a three-dimensional environment, such as a hydrogel, a spheroid, or an organoid. 2D cell culture is simpler, cheaper, and easier to monitor and manipulate. 3D cell culture is more complex, expensive, and challenging to control and measure. However, 3D cell culture can better mimic the spatial and mechanical properties of the native tissue, and enhance the cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions.

4 Co-culture vs. Mono-culture

The fourth key aspect to consider when choosing a cell culture technique is whether to use co-culture or mono-culture. Co-culture is the method of growing two or more different types of cells together in the same culture system, either in direct contact or separated by a permeable membrane. Mono-culture is the method of growing only one type of cell in the culture system. Co-culture can provide more realistic and dynamic models of the tissue microenvironment, and reveal the effects of cell-cell communication, signaling, and differentiation. Mono-culture can offer more simplified and controlled models of the cell behavior, and isolate the effects of external stimuli and factors.

5 Static vs. Dynamic Cell Culture

The fifth crucial aspect to consider when choosing a cell culture technique is whether to use static or dynamic cell culture. Static cell culture is the method of growing cells in a fixed and stable condition, such as a stationary dish or a well. Dynamic cell culture is the method of growing cells in a changing and variable condition, such as a rotating vessel or a perfusion system. Static cell culture is more accessible, affordable, and standardized. Dynamic cell culture is more sophisticated, costly, and customized. However, dynamic cell culture can expose the cells to more physiological and relevant stimuli, such as fluid flow, shear stress, and oxygen gradients.

6 Single-cell vs. Bulk Cell Culture

The sixth and final aspect to consider when choosing a cell culture technique is whether to use single-cell or bulk cell culture. Single-cell culture is the method of growing and analyzing individual cells or small groups of cells, such as using microfluidics, microwells, or single-cell sequencing. Bulk cell culture is the method of growing and analyzing large populations of cells, such as using conventional culture vessels, flow cytometry, or gene expression arrays. Single-cell culture can reveal the heterogeneity, diversity, and specificity of the cell population, and identify rare or novel cell types. Bulk cell culture can reveal the average, dominant, and collective behavior of the cell population, and quantify the overall cell response.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?