Recapitulating Cell–Cell Interactions for Organoid Construction – Are Biomaterials Dispensable?

Cells are spatially patterned in 3D space to allow an intricately orchestrated exchange of signals that regulate their migration, proliferation, differentiation, and death. In recent years cellular self-assembly has emerged as an attractive method to achieve the complexity of organ structures, where the essential cell types co-cultured under carefully defined conditions in vitro have been shown to give rise to organoids such as the optic cup, brain, intestine, liver, and kidney. In view of these developments, what would the revised role of biomaterial-based technologies be, or do they retain any role at all? This Opinion article maintains that biomaterials will not only retain their value but will also synergize with organoid technologies in recapitulating cell–cell interactions.

TrendsCellular self-assembly has emerged as an attractive method to achieve the complexity of organ structures. In view of this development, it is pertinent to consider the future role, if any, of biomaterial-based technologies.An overview of the essential cell–cell interactions is presented.The approach of generating organoids by cellular self-assembly is described, with a discussion of how cell–cell interactions are involved.Biomaterials add value and synergize with organoid technologies in recapitulating cellular interactions for tissue engineering.