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Table 1 Comparison for key features between 2D cell lines and 3D organoids

From: Liver organoids: an in vitro 3D model for liver cancer study

Comparison

2D cell lines

3D organoids

Morphology

Sheet-like flat monolayer

Self-organization, mimicking organ structure

Origin of cells

Cell line derived from a single cell

Related to tissues used for cell isolation

Heterogeneity

Unable to recapitulate critical features of the native tissues

Able to recapitulate structural, genetic, transcriptional and histological features of the native tissues

Resource costs

Low

High

Long-term expansion

Immortalized and easy expansion

Robust long-term expansion with maintenance of heterogeneity

Co-culture

Difficult; trans-well culture system allows co-culture of different cell types

Easy for co-culture of different cell types because of extracellular matrix