Primary hepatocytes that are cultured in 2-dimensional (2D) monolayers rapidly lose functionality over the course of 5-7 days. When performing long term assays, hepatocytes grown in 3-dimensional culture (3D) typically maintain functionality much longer, in some cases 28 days or longer. Recent studies have shown increased predictability of drug-induced liver injury (DILI) potential drugs when applied to 3D spheroid cultured hepatocytes over conventional 2D monolayer cultures¹.
We now qualify our plateable hepatocyte batches for capacity for spheroid formation over 5 days in culture. Batches that show this capability are labeled as Verified for SpheroidsTM primary hepatocytes on their certificate of analysis.
Ideal for use in DILI prediction, spheroid cultured hepatocytes can also be used for other types of assays requiring long-term culture conditions, including co-culture models with other liver cells.