THREE-DIMENSIONAL CELL CULTURE METHODS FOR TEST MATERIAL ASSESSMENT OF CELL DIFFERENTIATION

摘要

The present specification discloses three-dimensional in vitro cell-based methods to assess a test matrix polymer ability to support differentiation of a population of cells methods of screening a material for its ability to stimulate cell growth and/or differentiation.

主权项

1. A three-dimensional in vitro cell-based method to assess a test matrix polymer ability to support differentiation of a population of cells, the method comprising the step of:
a) culturing a three-dimensional matrix comprising the test matrix polymer and the population of cells in a nutrient medium using an apparatus, wherein the three-dimensional matrix comprises a top surface and a bottom surface, and wherein the apparatus is configured to allow contact of the nutrient medium on the top surface and the bottom surface of the three-dimensional matrix; b) assaying the population of cells for differentiation, wherein detection of differentiation is indicative that the test matrix polymer stimulates differentiation of a population of cells.