Cell culture is one of the most important and commonly used in vitro tools to comprehend various aspects of cells or tissues of a living body such as cell biology, tissue morphology, mechanism of diseases, cell signaling, drug action, cancer research and also finds its great importance in preclinical trials of various drugs. There are two major types of cell cultures that are most commonly used- two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional culture (3D). The former has been used since the 1900s, owing to its simplicity and low-cost maintenance as it forms a monolayer, while the latter being the advanced version and currently most worked upon. This chapter intends to provide the true meaning and significance to both cultures. It starts by making a clear distinction between the two and proceeds further to discuss their different applications in vitro. The significance of 2D culture is projected through different assays and therapeutic treatment to understand cell motility and treatment of diseases, whereas 3D culture includes different models and spheroid structures consisting of multiple layers of cells, and puts a light on its use in drug discovery and development. The chapter is concluded with a detailed account of the production of therapeutic proteins by the use of cells.
Part of the book: Cell Culture
Brain organoid implications have opened vast avenues in the realm of interdisciplinary research, particularly in the growing field of organoid intelligence (OI). A brain organoid is a three-dimensional (3D), lab-grown structure that mimics certain aspects of the human brain organization and function. The integration of organoid technology with computational methods to enhance the understanding of organoid behavior and to predict their responses to various stimuli is known as OI. The ability of brain organoids to adapt and memorize, is a key area of exploration. OI encapsulates the confluence of breakthroughs in stem cell technology, bioengineering, and artificial intelligence (AI). This chapter delves deep into the myriad potentials of OI, encompassing an enhanced understanding of human cognitive functions, and achieving significant biological computational proficiencies. Such advancements stand to offer a unique complementarity to conventional computing methods. The implications of brain organoids in the OI sphere signify a transformative stride towards a more intricate grasp of the human brain and its multifaceted intricacies. The intersection of biology and machine learning is a rapidly evolving field that is reshaping our understanding of life and health. This convergence is driving advancements in numerous areas, including genomics, drug discovery, personalized medicine, and synthetic biology.
Part of the book: Technologies in Cell Culture