Hydrogels for 3D Cell Culture

What You Will Learn in This ChapterOne of the fast growing 3D mammalian cell culture platforms are hydrogels—three-dimensional, crosslinked networks of polymers. In this chapter we describe the fundamentals of hydrogels and provide an overview of sources from which hydrogels can be derived, such as animal, non-animal, synthetic, or combinations. The physical/mechanical requirements of hydrogels are discussed in order that they produce a physiologically relevant environment for 3D cell cultivation. We review the characterization methods used for hydrogels and how this impacts application in 3D cell culture and regenerative medicine. Modification of hydrogels by crosslinking affords them the property of tunability and degradation to recover cells for downstream analysis provides an opportunity to gather additional supportive data, these areas are examined along with the physical properties needed for optimum use in cell monitoring and analysis techniques. Creation of gradient hydrogels and incorporation into microfluidic and organ-on-a-chip models opens the possibility to recapitulate more closely the in vivo environment. We cover the areas in which hydrogels are being applied to support 3D cell culture such as bioprinting and bioprocessing and discuss the future potential of these versatile materials in taking cell research from the bench to the clinic.