Abstract: An in vitro testing platform for the study of metabolic liver disease and related therapeutic strategies, composed of an artificial spheroidal microtissue comprising at least hepatocytes and hepatic stellate cells, and at least one type of hepatic inflammatory cells and further medium and reagents capable to establish and simulate different stages of metabolic liver disease and their progression and testing preventive and therapeutic strategies by pharmacological and/or dietary interventions.

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 an in vitro testing platform for the study of metabolic liver disease and related therapeutic strategies, composed of an artificial spheroidal microtissue comprising at least hepatocytes and hepatic stellate cells, and at least one type of hepatic inflammatory cells and further medium and reagents capable to establish and simulate different stages of metabolic liver disease and their progression and testing preventive and therapeutic strategies by pharmacological and/or dietary interventions.

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: The present invention relates to 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.