Accelerate Drug Discovery with Reliable 3D Spheroid Models

At Tebubio, we support European life science researchers in adopting advanced 3D cell culture technologies that align with New Approach Methodologies (NAMs).

These innovative in vitro models offer greater physiological relevance than conventional 2D cultures, enabling more predictive studies of disease mechanisms, drug responses and cellular behaviour, while contributing to the reduction of animal experimentation.

Through close partnerships with technology innovators, we provide access to complementary 3D culture platforms designed to address a wide range of diverse scientific questions.

In our post on 3D cell culture methods, we focus on the generation of immobilized spheroids and organoids in medium.

Our partner 4Dcell developed the SmartSphero™ Technology Plates containing hydrogel-based microwell structures specially designed for the spontaneous formation of uniform spheroids.

The anti-adhesive properties of the hydrogel facilitates rapid self-assembly of cell aggregates into compact spheroids while the APT® (Anchorage Point Technology) anchors the spheroids in place. This prevents the loss of spheroids during typical manipulations (medium exchange, drug addition, etc), and makes the location of each spheroid predictable on the same focal plane.

Fig. 1: SmartSphero™ Technology

• Ready to use: plate your cells directly on the microstructured substrates 
• Maintain +95% of spheroids, uniform size and shape: keep your spheroids alive, with <6% variation of the spheroid’ size.
• No spheroids detachment during medium change over weeks: the patented anchoring point technology (APT®) keeps the spheroids in each microwell during medium change
• All 3D structures in the same focal plane
• Predictable location and easy to image

Fig. 2: Spheroids in place on the SmartSphero™ plate with and without anchoring point technology (APT) and before and after vigorous medium exchange.

Comparison of detached spheroids between gels with vs. without contact points after vigorous medium exchange. Thanks to the APT®, spheroid loss drops below 12% during aggressive media exchanges, compared to an 86% loss in unanchored system (see Fig. 2).

Suited for Drug Screening experiments

These features make the SmartSphero™ plates suited for experiments in basis research as well as Drug Discovery related approaches such as:

• Drug Screening
• High resolution Imaging
• DMPK studies

Additional Resource

Download the Poster PDF which shows how the SmartSphero™ Technology can help you to develop drug screening assay.

Human-Relevant, Patient-Derived Models

SynVivo brings you closer to personalised medicine by enabling the use of patient-derived cells in advanced microfluidic systems. Their platforms replicate native tissue environments under dynamic flow, giving you real-time, predictive insights.

SynBBB™: Blood–Brain Barrier-on-a-Chip
Reconstruct the neurovascular unit with endothelial cells, astrocytes and pericytes under physiologically relevant flow conditions. SynBBB™ enables you to evaluate CNS drug transport, barrier integrity and neurovascular interactions with improved accuracy and reproducibility.

Download the flyer:  SynBBB

SynTumor™: Cancer-on-a-Chip Platform
Model tumour microenvironments with integrated microvascular networks, allowing real-time monitoring of drug penetration, immune cell infiltration and tumour–stroma interactions. Ideal for oncology research, combination therapy studies and personalised medicine approaches.

Download the flyer:  SynTumor Vascularized Cancer Models

SynALI™: Lung-on-a-Chip Platform
Simulate the human lung environment using an air–liquid interface system that supports epithelial differentiation, mucus production and ciliary function. A powerful tool for respiratory disease modelling, toxicology and inhalation studies.

Download the flyer:  SynALI Lung-on-a-Chip

SynRAM™: Inflammation-on-a-Chip Platform
Capture the complexity of vascular inflammation by integrating endothelial and immune cells under flow. Study adhesion, migration, cytokine release and barrier disruption in real time—supporting research in immunology and inflammatory diseases.

Download the flyer:  SynRAM 3D Inflammation Model

SynTox™: Multi-Organ Toxicology Platform
Perform advanced toxicology studies across multiple tissue types, including liver, lung, cardiac and vascular systems. SynTox™ enables more predictive safety assessment by replicating systemic responses in a controlled in vitro environment.

Download the flyer:  SynTox Toxicology-on-a-Chip

Why Choose These 3D Culture Platforms?

• Enhanced Physiological Relevance: Models that better mimic in vivo biology for disease research and therapeutic screening.

• NAM-Aligned Methodologies: Support ethical innovation by reducing dependency on animal models and extending predictive in vitro capabilities.

• Compatibility & Scalability: All systems fit standard lab infrastructure and integrate with imaging and automation workflows.

Ready to Advance Your Research?

Let our scientific team help you integrate the right 3D culture tools into your workflow.

Ready to Improve Your 3D Cell Culture Assays?

Discover how SmartSphero™ Technology can enhance reproducibility, streamline workflows, and deliver more predictive data for your drug screening and disease models. Our experts can help you select the right platform for your research needs.

• References

  Article content created by Tebubio using courtesy materials provided by 4D Cell .