Several techniques are employed to create 3D cultures, including:
1. Spheroid Culture: Cells are cultured in non-adherent conditions to form spheroids. These spheroids mimic the oxygen and nutrient gradients found in tumors.
2. Hydrogels: Hydrogels provide a scaffold that supports cell growth in three dimensions. They can be made from various materials, including natural proteins and synthetic polymers.
3. Bioprinting: A cutting-edge technique, bioprinting involves layer-by-layer deposition of cells and biomaterials to create complex tissue structures.