Abstract: A 3D tissue culture selected from the group consisting of hydrogel-based 3D tissue culture and cellular self-assembly 3D tissue culture as well as self-assembly 3D tissue culture. Additionally, disclosed is a method of preparing cells for 3D tissue culture, which method comprises the steps of plating the cells on a suitable surface, optionally, checking for their capability to adhere to said surface, discarding the cells which have not adhered to said surface, detaching the adhered cells and transferring them into a 3D tissue culture process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microtissue compartment device, comprising a compartment structure (1) having an upper surface (2) and a lower surface (3) essentially coplanar thereto, and at least two wells (4) suitable for accommodating one or more microtissues (5) in a liquid volume, each well having a lower section (4a) with a given diameter, coaxially oriented thereto an upper section (4b) with an extended diameter, and at least one conduit (6) fluidically connecting at least two wells to one another, and at least one space (13) arranged above a well. At least one well has, in its upper section, a relief structure (9) that prevents spreading or overflow of a liquid volume comprised in said well into space (13).

Abstract: Provided is a system and a method for propagating cells, the system comprising a multi well plate and a plate sealing means for sealing at least one well of a multiwell plate, the plate sealing means comprising at least one solid bulge or at least one bulge comprising a solid base, said at least one bulge consisting of a resilient elastomer to securely seal at least one well of the multiwell plate. Also disclosed is the use of such a system for propagating cells and the corresponding method.

Abstract: Provided is a system and a method for propagating cells, the system comprising a multi well plate and a plate sealing means for sealing at least one well of a multiwell plate, the plate sealing means comprising at least one solid bulge or at least one bulge comprising a solid base, said at least one bulge consisting of a resilient elastomer to securely seal at least one well of the multiwell plate. Also disclosed is the use of such a system for propagating cells and the corresponding method.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices for propagating at least one microtissue, methods for manufacturing such devices, and the use us such devices, said devices comprise at least one well, wherein said at least one well comprises an open upper section comprising an open upper end and an open lower end, and a lower section comprising an open upper end and a bottom end, wherein the upper section and the lower section are in fluid communication, and wherein the bottom end of the lower section of at least one well of said plurality of wells is provided with a well bottom, said lower section of said at least one well has a smaller cross-sectional area than the open upper section of the same well.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microtissue compartment device, comprising a compartment structure (1) having an upper surface (2) and a lower surface (3) essentially coplanar thereto, and at least two wells (4) suitable for accommodating one or more microtissues (5) in a liquid volume, each well having a lower section (4a) with a given diameter, coaxially oriented thereto an upper section (4b) with an extended diameter, and at least one conduit (6) fluidically connecting at least two wells to one another, and at least one space (13) arranged above a well. At least one well has, in its upper section, a relief structure (9) that prevents spreading or overflow of a liquid volume comprised in said well into space (13).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and/or assay for the assessment of the metabolic effect of a candidate compound. The method and/or assay comprises exposing one or more 3-dimensional cell culture or tissue to one or more candidate compounds, and measuring, in at least one 3-dimensional cell culture or tissue, the effect of such exposure on the 3-dimensional cell culture or tissue-specific respiration rate (MTSRR) (FIG. 1B).

Abstract: Disclosed are devices for propagating at least one microtissue, methods for manufacturing such devices, and the use us such devices, said devices comprise at least one well, wherein said at least one well comprises an open upper section comprising an open upper end and an open lower end, and a lower section comprising an open upper end and a bottom end, wherein the upper section and the lower section are in fluid communication, and wherein the bottom end of the lower section of at least one well of said plurality of wells is provided with a well bottom, said lower section of said at least one well has a smaller cross-sectional area than the open upper section of the same well.

Abstract: Provided is a system and a method for propagating cells, the system comprising a multi well plate and a plate sealing means for sealing at least one well of a multiwell plate, the plate sealing means comprising at least one solid bulge or at least one bulge comprising a solid base, said at least one bulge consisting of a resilient elastomer to securely seal at least one well of the multiwell plate. Also disclosed is the use of such a system for propagating cells and the corresponding method.

Abstract: A hanging drop plate and a method of cultivating cells or of producing molecular aggregates in at least one liquid volume that adheres to a drop contact area of such a hanging drop plate. The hanging drop plate has a body with a first surface and a second surface that is essentially coplanar to the first surface. The second surface has a drop contact area for adherently receiving a liquid volume. The drop contact area is distinguished from a surrounding area by a relief structure that prevents spreading of the liquid volume on the second surface of the body. The body has at least one conduit that mouths into the drop contact area from the direction of the first surface of the body. A liquid volume is applied to the drop contact area through a communicating conduit. Cells and/or molecules can be introduced into this liquid volume.

Abstract: Multi-well plate (1) comprising a plurality of wells (4), a frame (5) for holding the plurality of wells (4) in a defined arrangement, a support element (50) for contacting a surface when the multi-well plate (1) is placed on the surface, wherein at least one well (4) of the plurality of wells is elastically displaceable relative to said support element (50).

Abstract: A hanging drop plate and a method of cultivating cells or of producing molecular aggregates in at least one liquid volume that adheres to a drop contact area of such a hanging drop plate. The hanging drop plate has a body with a first surface and a second surface that is essentially coplanar to the first surface. The second surface has a drop contact area for adherently receiving a liquid volume. The drop contact area is distinguished from a surrounding area by a relief structure that prevents spreading of the liquid volume on the second surface of the body. The body has at least one conduit that mouths into the drop contact area from the direction of the first surface of the body. A liquid volume is applied to the drop contact area through a communicating conduit. Cells and/or molecules can be introduced into this liquid volume.

Abstract: Multi-well plate (1) comprising a plurality of wells (4), a frame (5) for holding the plurality of wells (4) in a defined arrangement, a support element (50) for contacting a surface when the multi-well plate (1) is placed on the surface, wherein at least one well (4) of the plurality of wells is elastically displaceable relative to said support element (50).

Abstract: A hanging drop plate and a method of cultivating cells or of producing molecular aggregates in at least one liquid volume that adheres to a drop contact area of such a hanging drop plate. The hanging drop plate has a body with a first surface and a second surface that is essentially coplanar to the first surface. The second surface has a drop contact area for adherently receiving a liquid volume. The drop contact area is distinguished from a surrounding area by a relief structure that prevents spreading of the liquid volume on the second surface of the body. The body has at least one conduit that mouths into the drop contact area from the direction of the first surface of the body. A liquid volume is applied to the drop contact area through a communicating conduit. Cells and/or molecules can be introduced into this liquid volume.