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SpheroMold: modernizing the hanging drop method for spheroid culture

Authors :
Ana Paula Pereira Guimaraes
Italo Rodrigo Calori
Hong Bi
Antonio Claudio Tedesco
Source :
Frontiers in Drug Delivery, Vol 4 (2024)
Publication Year :
2024
Publisher :
Frontiers Media S.A., 2024.

Abstract

The hanging drop method is a cost-effective approach for 3D spheroid culture. However, obtaining numerous spheroids in a limited area becomes challenging due to the risk of droplet coalescence, primarly during Petri dish handling. In this study, we describe a general method to fabricate a 3D printing-based support called SpheroMold that facilitates Petri dish handling and enhances spheroid production per unit area. As a proof-of-concept, we designed a digital negative mold which comprised 37 pegs within a 13.52 cm2 area, and then printed it using stereolithography; the density of pegs can be adjusted according to user requirements. The SpheroMold was created by pouring the base and curing agent (10:1) (Sylgard® 184 silicone) into the mold, curing it at 80°C, and then attaching it to the lid of a Petri dish. Our SpheroMold effectively prevented droplet coalescence during Petri dish inversion, enabling the production of numerous 3D spheroids while simplifying manipulation. Unlike conventional techniques, our design also facilitated a larger volume of culture medium per drop compared to a standard Petri dish, potentially decreasing the necessity for frequent medium exchange to sustain cellular health and reducing labor intensity.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
26740850
Volume :
4
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Frontiers in Drug Delivery
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.7f2c63c045e44fa1acdc43ef41f42002
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3389/fddev.2024.1397153