Three-dimensional cell culture device utilizing thin membrane deformation by decompression

We have developed a novel multicellular aggregate (spheroid) culture device that utilizes thin polydimethylsiloxane membrane deformation by decompression. The device was capable of producing thousands of spheroids rapidly at a time and regulating the diameter of spheroids with narrow size distribution. The spheroids were easily retrieved from the device noninvasively. These characteristics of the device suggest that it has the potential for use in a wide variety of applications, such as drug screening and tissue engineering. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.