INTEGRA, in association with InSphero(Zurich, Switzerland), have released an application note that describes how a precise pipetting technology enables the efficient use of a hanging drop culture system overcoming many of the drawbacks of conventional cell culture techniques.

Cells cultured in standard suspension or monolayer culture typically lose many features that are characteristic of cells in tissue and limit their use to study certain aspects of cell biology. The major differences to in vivo growth conditions of cells include the absence or limited interaction of cell-cell interaction and cell-matrix interaction, a lack of three-dimensional architectural appearance and changed hormonal, nutritional and physical environment.

The application note describes how InSphero's unique hanging drop cell culture system is used to generate a diverse range of microtissues. This microtissue system is based on the innovative GravityPlus culture platform for which multichannel pipettes have to be used for the efficient liquid media exchange of the culture drops. Through extensive working and testing of the drop culture system the researchers demonstrate how the versatility and precision of INTEGRA VIAFLO electronic pipettes allows fast and economic cultivation of the cells in hanging droplets.

Today, INTEGRA innovative laboratory tools are widely used all around the world. More than ninety distribution-partners form a worldwide sales network providing responsive and competent services to customers. These distributionpartners are supported by a highly motivated and experienced team of specialists at the company headquarters in Zizers, Switzerland and Hudson, USA. INTEGRA is an ISO 9001:2000 certified company.

Founded in 2009, InSphero (www.insphero.com) develops and produces advanced 3-dimensional microtissue models that mimic the behavior and function of living organs much better than conventional cell cultures. InSphero offers ready-to-use microtissues, microtissue assays, and 3D cell-culture solutions, which are compatible with existing laboratory liquid-handling robotics.

These microtissues enable more reliable and relevant screening and validation processes for the development of drugs and biopharmaceuticals.