| dc.description.abstract | Organoids are a revolutionary tool in the field of biology that provides researchers with a unique
way to study the behavior and function of different organs and tissues. Organoids are created by
growing cells in a 3D environment that mimics the structure and microenvironment of a specific
organ. This allows researchers to observe and experiment with the cells in a way that more closely
resembles what happens in the human body. One of the key components of the organoid culture
is the extracellular matrix (ECM), which is the environment that surrounds the cells and influences
their physical characteristics such as shape, protein expression, polarization, and orientation of
the cell. In many cases, the ECM used in the lab is derived from animal sources, such as Matrigel,
which is used for liver organoids, and Basement Membrane Extract, which is used for kidney
tubuloids. However, there are drawbacks for using animal-derived ECMs, including potential
ethical concerns and the difficulty in obtaining a consistent, high-quality ECM. As a result, there
is a growing interest in finding alternative, animal-free ECMs that can be used to culture organoids.
This study aimed to evaluate the suitability of three animal-free alternatives, VitroGel, MaxGel,
and BioGel for liver organoids, and VitroGel and MaxGel for kidney organoids, as potential
replacements for animal-derived extracellular matrix. These materials have the potential to
provide researchers with a more consistent and ethical way to study organoids and could lead to
new discoveries and breakthroughs in our understanding of human biology. | |
