logo
AAT Bioquest

Is 3D cell culture more expensive than 2D culture?

Posted January 7, 2022


Answer

Yes, 3D cell culture is more expensive than 2D culture.

The 3D cell culture environment is more advanced in that it allows cells to grow and interact with the surrounding extracellular framework in three dimensions. 3D cell culture plate manufacturing methods are highly complex and expensive. Moreover, the technique is also more labor-intensive and time-consuming.

By contrast, 2D cell cultures involve growing cells in a flat monolayer in a plate. This is quick and simple to set up and costs much less. 

Additional resources

3D Cell Culture: An Introduction