Unlocking the Potential of Organoids

We live in a three-dimensional (3D) world, yet so many things we face every day are two-dimensional (2D) representations of 3D objects. From paintings and photographs to maps and architectural blueprints, the majority of human creative processes begin on a flat piece of paper.

The same goes for studying biological processes in vitro. For decades, people have used 2D cell culture, which involves growing cells on a flat surface, such as a petri dish. This method is commonly used for studying cell behavior, drug screening, and basic cell biology research. However, 2D cell cultures have limitations, including their inability to accurately mimic the complex three-dimensional environment of tissues and organs in the human body. This can lead to discrepancies in results when comparing cell behavior in 2D cultures to actual physiological processes. Nonetheless, 2D cell cultures remain a valuable tool in basic research at least in the early stages of studying cellular responses.

On the other hand, in more recent years, scientists have developed methods for culturing so called “organoids”, which are three-dimensional structures that resemble organs in a lab dish. These structures are derived from stem cells or other precursor cells and can be used to study the development and function of various organs in health and disease. Organoids can also be used to test new drugs and therapies, providing a more accurate representation of the human body than traditional cell culture or animal models. This research has the potential to lead to more personalized treatments for diseases and conditions, as well as a deeper understanding of how organs develop and function.

Organoid research is still a relatively new field, but it has already shown promise in studying a range of organs, including the brain, liver, kidney, and gut. Researchers are also exploring ways to combine different organoids to create more complex systems that can better mimic the human body. While there are still challenges to overcome, such as scaling up production and ensuring consistency between organoids, the potential benefits of this research make it an exciting area of study with significant implications for medicine and biology.

While the initial premise of my artwork has been to turn 2-dimensional images into 3D cellular reliefs, more recently I have come full circle and started working on a new series, where I will be exploring more complex organoid architecture and bringing a little sparkle to my (typically realistic) portrayals of cells.