Abstract: The invention provides a method for producing a multicellular spheroid comprising injecting a cell suspension into a gel. The invention also provides a method of producing a gel comprising one or more multicellular spheroids, the method comprising injecting a cell suspension into a gel, as well as a gel obtainable by the method. Also provided is a method of assessing the effect of an agent on the property of a cell selected from any of survival, growth, proliferation, differentiation, migration, morphology, signalling, metabolic activity, gene expression and cell-cell interaction, the method comprising (i) producing a multicellular spheroid or gel according to the method of the invention, or providing a gel according to the invention; and (ii) assessing the effect of the agent on the property of a cell in the multicellular spheroid.

Abstract: An array microinjection apparatus comprises a substrate (10) defining an in-use upper surface (11) having formed therein a plurality of part-spherical recesses (12). Each of these includes an in-use upwardly facing opening (13), the dimensions of the recesses (12) being such that each said recess accommodates therein a single cell; or the dimensions of the recesses being such that each said recess accommodates therein a single embryo, the recesses (12) being arranged in the surface (11) in a regular pattern.

Abstract: The invention provides a microfluidic device wherein capillaries are connected to the microfluidic device by a deformable penetrable substance.