Simplify 3D Spheroid Culture and Drug Screening Workflows

As 3D cell culture models become essential tools in translational research and drug development, researchers are seeking more efficient ways to generate and analyze complex spheroid models while reducing handling steps and variability.

The 3-in-1™ Platform from Apricell was developed to address these challenges by combining spheroid formation, matrix integration and drug screening within a single hydrogel insert compatible with standard six-well plates.

This integrated approach supports more reproducible assays, simplified workflows and improved imaging capabilities for a wide range of applications.

The 3-in-1™ Plate is a hydrogel insert that fits within each well of a six-well plate. The insert combines spheroid/organoid formation, extracellular matrix (ECM) integration and drug testing all in one easy to use platform. The 3-in-1 Plate is ideal for researchers looking to embed spheroids in an ECM or conduct drug screening on complex models. 

• One spheroid per microwell, 144 spheroids per plate. No crosstalk between the models.
•  Uniform spheroids for experimental consistency.
• No risk of losing spheroids during media changes or transfer.
• Easily image spheroids in situ. Compatibility with standard imaging instruments

See it in motion:

• Invasion studies
• Co-culture studies
• Matrix stiffness studies (compatible with all ECM's)
• Drug screening
• Immunohistochemistry
• Spatial Biology

• Material: Transparent Biocompatible Hydrogel.
• 3-in-1 Plate Specifications:
• Number of spheroids per insert: 24
• Number of spheroids per six-well plate: 144
• Volume of each microwell: 1 mm^3
• Spheroid size range: 200 - 500 μm

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.

Optimize Your 3D Assays

Talk with our team to find the best solution for reproducible spheroid generation and downstream analysis.

• References

  Article content created by Tebubio using courtesy materials provided by Apricell .