in perlo™ by Pearl BioSystem: Redefining 3D Cell Culture for Predictive Discovery

 Why Rethinking 3D Cell Culture?

In preclinical and translational research, scientists face considerable pressure to improve early-stage predictivity, reduce late-stage clinical failures, and accelerate lead validation, without relying on animal models.

Traditional 2D cultures fail to mimic physiological complexity, while conventional 3D systems (e.g Matrigel®) often introduce barriers such as poor reproducibility, limited scalability, or slow workflows.

As the need grows for ethical, fast, and more predictive screening platforms, researchers are seeking advanced 3D models that faithfully replicate in vivo conditions, without compromising on throughput, cost, or data quality.

A New 3D Culture Paradigm: in perlo™

With the growing demand for predictive and translational models, 3D cell culture has transitioned from a specialised technique to a standard requirement in preclinical workflows.

To address the limitations of legacy systems while maintaining workflow simplicity, Pearl BioSystem introduces in perlo™: a matrix-free 3D culture platform designed to streamline and strengthen early-stage screening. Now distributed in Europe through Tebubio’s scientific and logistical support, in perlo™ is fully aligned with 3R guidance and enhances candidate selection rapidly, securely, and reliably.

In perlo™ at a Glance

• Unrestricted bioavailability → Matrix-free 3D culture: improved drug penetration

• Non-enzymatic recovery for downstream analysis→ No trypsin or collagenase needed, preserving cell markers

• Optically transparent pearls → Fully compatible with fluorescence microscopy and HCS

• Versatile protocols and readouts → Supports co-culture and multi-treatment applications for different downstream assays, including imaging, FACS, and omics

• Faster, reproducible, and scalable → Simple and standard protocol, compatible with high-throughput workflows.

What Are the Limits of Traditional 3D Systems?

Conventional 3D culture methods often rely on extracellular matrix components or hydrogel scaffolds. While these provide structural support, they introduce several limitations:

• Variable compound diffusion and reduced bioavailability
• Optical interference that hinders fluorescence imaging
• Complex recovery workflows, often requiring enzymatic digestion
• High variability and poor reproducibility across assays
• Time-consuming handling and casting steps
• High implementation and per-sample costs

Most 3D models available, such as Matrigel®, microfluidic organ-on-chip systems, or polymer-based scaffolds, face these recurring challenges. These limitations are particularly problematic in applications requiring high-throughput, reproducible, and physiologically relevant models.

Figure 1: 3D in perlo™ vs. 3D Geltrex®.

Direct evaluation of cellular sensitivity to chemotherapeutics demonstrates that in perlo™ cultures exhibit greater drug sensitivity than gel-based spheroids, highlighting advantages over traditional models. 

How Does in perlo™ Improve Experimental Design?

A key innovation of the in perlo™ system is its ability to support heterotypic co-culture and fusion. Tumour and immune cells, for instance, can be seeded separately and then fused within a single pearl to replicate tissue-level interactions.

With just 10–20 µL of cell suspension seeded into a preformed 70 µL pearl, the system ensures optimal nutrient diffusion, structural integrity, and cellular viability.

Example case: Pancreatic tumoroids cultured in in perlo™ responded to 80 µM Gemcitabine after 48 hours, equivalent to clinical first-line treatment. In perlo™ tumoroids, also showed greater drug sensitivity than gel-based Geltrex® cultures in comparative viability assays (Figure 1).

This level of control makes in perlo™ highly attractive for phenotypic screening, immuno-oncology studies, and safety testing, especially when early, ethical, and reproducible results are essential.

Will It Work in My Lab?

Yes! Easily and efficiently.

The Universal 3D Cell Culture in perlo™ Plate (96-well format) is designed to fit seamlessly into existing workflows, whether you're running manual assays or fully automated, high-throughput pipelines.

Built for Lab Integration:

• Standard 96-well format → compatible with robotic pipetting systems
• Imaging-ready pearls → fast readouts from day 1 to day 12
• High reproducibility → CV <3% across wells for consistent results

Ready-to-Use Kits for Focused Screening:

Each in perlo™ kit (96-well format) is ideal for:

• Testing 4 molecules on one phenotype, or
• Testing 2 molecules across two phenotypes

You can also integrate in perlo™ into ongoing studies (e.g. toxicity workflows) to generate additional biological material for imaging, FACS, or omics-based analyses.

Why This Partnership Matters

The new collaboration between Pearl BioSystem and Tebubio brings this cutting-edge platform to European laboratories with direct support, technical training, and fast delivery.

As Dr Christian D. Muller, founder of Pearl BioSystem, explains:

“Our mission is to empower researchers with tools that are both predictive and practical. The in perlo™ system reduces barriers: scientific, technical, and ethical, to better drug discovery.”

Backed by Tebubio’s scientific network, in perlo™ becomes more than a product; it’s a new experimental standard for teams working in oncology, toxicology, and early-stage validation.

How Can I Integrate in perlo™ Into My Workflow?

Adopting in perlo™ is simple. The universal plate format is delivered with detailed protocols and expert support to help you design your assays effectively. Whether you’re conducting pilot screens or building co-culture models, Pearl BioSystem and Tebubio offer tailored guidance to support your experimental objectives.

You can also benefit from Tebubio's Contract Research Services (CRS):

• EC₅₀ determination services
• Multi-treatment assay formats
• Bespoke assay development for co-cultures
• Consulting on automation integration and endpoint optimisation

You'll be supported from the very beginning by a dedicated product manager, ensuring a smooth and personalised experience.

From Concept to Application - Fast, Predictive, Accessible

By bridging the gap between 2D culture and complex organoid systems, in perlo™ empowers researchers to generate high-quality, translatable data using a reproducible and scalable platform. Its flexibility, simplicity, and scientific robustness make it a valuable asset for research teams at every stage of drug development.

Fully aligned with 3R guidance, in perlo™ enhances and optimises candidate selection rapidly, securely, and reliably.

Reducing Costs. Increasing Predictability. Empowering Decisions.

• References

  Figures 1 & 2: Courtesy of Pearl BioSystem, your trusted supplier for matrix-free 3D Cell culture.

Discover How Tebubio Brings You the in perlo™  3D Culture Platform

Tebubio now offers Pearl BioSystems in perlo™, a cutting-edge, matrix-free 3D cell culture solution that enhances compound screening, co-culture, and translational relevance.
With full access to the product range, expert guidance, and a smooth ordering process, adopting advanced 3D workflows has never been easier.