A. C. A. Wan, "Recapitulating Cell–Cell Interactions for Organoid Construction – Are Biomaterials Dispensable?," Trends in Biotechnology, (2016) DOI:10.1016/j.tibtech.2016.02.015
Abstract:
Cells are spatially patterned in 3-dimensional space to allow an intricately orchestrated exchange of signals that regulate their migration, proliferation, differentiation and death. In recent years, cellular self-assembly has emerged as an attractive method to achieve the complexity of organ structures, where the essential cell types co-cultured under carefully defined conditions in vitro have been shown to give rise to organoids such as the optic cup, brain, intestine, liver and kidney. In view of these developments, what would the revised role of biomaterial-based technologies be, or do they retain any role at all? This opinion article maintains that biomaterials will not only retain their value, but would also synergize with the organoid technologies in recapitulating cell-cell interactions.