Biomimetic Culture Platforms: Bridging the Gap Between In Vivo and In Vitro

Traditional static 2D culture systems, where cells are grown as a monolayer on flat surfaces, fall short of capturing the complexity and physiological relevance of the in vivo environment. This limitation often results in an inadequate representation of cellular behavior as it naturally occurs within the human body. To address these challenges, advanced culture techniques have been developed to more accurately replicate the complex cellular environments found in vivo. Mechanotransduction, a fundamental cellular process, involves the transmission of force through bound proteins, leading to conformational changes that affect cell signaling, gene expression, phenotype, and function.

Recent advancements in biomaterials, microfabrication, and microfluidic technologies have paved the way for next-generation methodologies. These include 3D organoid culture, 3D bioprinting, organ-on-a-chip, and organoid-on-a-chip technologies. These innovative approaches strive to replicate tissue architectures, morphologies, functions, and biophysical cues in a biomimetic manner, effectively mimicking the cellular environment of the human body. Under these biomimetic culture conditions, which may involve suspension flow, air interface, mechanical stimulation, a stiffened matrix, and external pressures, factors such as cell maturation, proliferation, and responses to pharmacological agents can vary significantly. When applied in both spatial and temporal contexts, these enhanced culture techniques offer a more accurate representation of gene expression profiles compared to traditional cell culture methods.

Consequently, biomimetic culture platforms are promising innovations for generating more precise data in drug screening and predicting treatment outcomes. This Research Topic aims to delve deeply into these technologies, welcoming a diverse array of article types, including original research, review papers, and methodological articles focused on advanced culture methodologies within a biomimetic framework.

We invite submissions that cover a broad range of studies on advanced culture technologies in a biomimetic context. Topics of interest may include, but are not limited to, 3D cell cultures, tissue architecture simulation, organ-on-a-chip technology, mechanical stimulation, and physical or chemical stimulations. Submissions should aim to present innovative methodologies or insights that advance the understanding of these areas, particularly illustrating how such techniques can enhance pharmaceutical research outcomes.

Keywords: Biomimetic Culture, ECM Stiffness, Drug Effects, Mechanobiology, Organoid, Organ-on-a-chip

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.