Understanding
Spheroids

Spheroids are 3D cellular aggregates that replicate critical aspects of tissue architecture and function, making them one of the most widely used models in advanced cell culture. Their ability to mimic gradients of oxygen, nutrients, and metabolites creates a microenvironment similar to that found in vivo. This makes spheroids particularly valuable for studying tumor biology, drug penetration, and toxicity, offering a more predictive alternative to traditional 2D cultures.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are spheroids, organoids and tumoroids?

Spheroids, organoids and tumoroids are three-dimensional aggregates of cells that mimic the architecture and microenvironment of human tissues. They enable more physiologically relevant studies compared to traditional 2D cultures.

Spheroids, organoids, and tumoroids replicate key features of in vivo conditions, such as oxygen and nutrient gradients, cell–cell interactions, and metabolic activity. This makes them essential for improving predictive accuracy in applications such as drug discovery, disease modeling, and toxicity testing.

BICO provides solutions across 3D cell model workflows, including spheroid generation, gentle sorting and isolation systems of 3D cellular models with the spheroONE, and high-resolution imaging platforms with integrated analysis tools.

While spheroids are usually generated by the spontaneous aggregation of cells, organoids are typically formed from single stem cells that self-organize after their differentiatiation is induced. Contrastingly, tumoroids are usually derived from patient tumor tissues.​ All these models are valuable for research: spheroids are faster and easier to generate, organoids offer higher physiological relevance, while tumoroids enable personalized medicine applications.
Yes. BICO’s platforms are designed for compatibility with standard lab equipment and protocols, making it easy to integrate spheroid models into existing workflows without major infrastructure changes.
Spheroids can be isolated and analyzed at scale using BICO’s automated systems, enabling high-throughput screening for drug discovery, oncology, and toxicity studies with consistent size and quality.

How we support spheroids

BICO provides integrated solutions that simplify and enhance every step of spheroid-based research. From gentle handling to advanced imaging and tailored biomaterials, our technologies empower scientists to create physiologically relevant models with precision and reproducibility.

Gentle and precise handling of spheroids and organoids

The spheroONE by Cellenion isolates and dispenses 3D cell models, including spheroids, organoids and tumoroids, preparing homogenous assay-ready plates for reproducible drug testing workflows. The gentle handling and selection based on morphology and fluorescence ensures that 3D models are consistently viable and functional.

High-resolution imaging and real-time analysis

ECHO microscopes provide high-resolution, automated imaging for 3D-oid models, enabling visualization and analysis of cells and structures of interest. Dedicated live cell imaging devices like the Cellcyte 3 by ECHO allow live cell imaging to monitor models in real time without disrupting culture conditions.

Reproducible spheroid model generation

Creating uniform and reproducible spheroids is key to experimental consistency. BICO provides automated solutions for spheroid formation, allowing researchers to generate models at scale with controlled size and composition for applications in oncology, toxicology, and regenerative medicine.

Biomaterials for tailored and tunable ECMs

The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a vital role in spheroid behavior. BICO delivers a range of biomaterials with customizable stiffness, porosity, and biochemical cues, enabling researchers to replicate native tissue environments and optimize spheroid performance for specific studies.

Applications

Spheroids and organoids are driving innovation across multiple research fields by providing physiologically relevant models that capture the complexity of human tissues and disease. Their ability to replicate cell–cell interactions, nutrient gradients, and microenvironments makes them indispensable for applications in oncology, neuroscience, toxicology, and beyond.

Oncology

Spheroids, organoids, and tumoroids are increasingly used in cancer research to model tumor architecture and behavior. They replicate hypoxic cores, nutrient gradients, and drug penetration challenges found in solid tumors, enabling more predictive studies of tumor growth, metastasis, and therapeutic response.

Neuroscience

Neural spheroids provide a 3D environment for studying brain development, neurodegenerative diseases, and drug effects on neural networks. These models allow researchers to investigate complex cell signaling and connectivity that cannot be captured in 2D cultures.

Toxicology

Spheroids offer a more accurate platform for assessing compound toxicity by mimicking tissue-specific responses and metabolic activity. Their 3D structure improves prediction of in vivo outcomes, reducing reliance on animal models and enhancing safety evaluations.

Immunology

Immune-oncology studies benefit from spheroid models that replicate tumor microenvironments and allow co-culture with immune cells. These systems provide insights into immune response, checkpoint inhibition, and immunotherapy efficacy under physiologically relevant conditions.

Drug Discovery

Spheroids enable high-throughput screening of compounds in a 3D context, improving prediction of in vivo performance. Their structural complexity and metabolic gradients allow researchers to evaluate drug penetration, efficacy, and toxicity earlier in the development pipeline.

Products for Spheroids & Organoids

BICO offerings cover biomaterials and instrumentation to support the generation, sorting, and analysis of spheroid and organoid models across diverse applications.

Materials by Advanced BioMatrix

3D hydrogels, extracellular matrices, reagents, and more

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BIO X™

The go-to bioprinter for academics, researchers and innovators

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spheroONE

Automated sorting and isolation of single spheroids and organoids

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BIO X6™

Delivering unparalleled bioprinting flexibility with 6 printheads

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BIO ONE

Easy-to-use, syringe-based dispensing of hydrogel droplets

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Cellcyte 3

High Troughput Live Cell Imaging + Analysis Solution from Inside Your Incubator

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Cellcyte 1

High Troughput Live Cell Imaging + Analysis Solution from Inside Your Incubator 

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I.DOT Series

Precise, reproducible nanoliter dispensing to streamline experiments
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C.WASH PLUS

Gentle, uniform plate washing for reliable cell-based assays

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Contact Us

Get in touch with a BICO expert today to discuss your research goals, explore our innovative solutions, and find the approach that perfectly aligns with your lab’s needs. Whether you’re looking for a quote, a product demo, or technical guidance, our team is here to support you every step of the way.
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