A three-dimensional (3-D) culture “Petri-dish” for research in
regenerative medicine,
biotechnology and clinical translation is described. This 3-D
perfusion culture dish is to advance
in vitro culture tools from static 2-D to dynamic 3-D
perfusion culture. Interwoven hollow
fiber capillary membranes divide the “Petri-dish” culture space into a controllable 3-D pattern of different compartments, serving the functions of the organ's larger vasculature. These physically active scaffolds, which can be suitable for
cell adhesion or
cell aggregate immobilization, offer a supply of cells with high-performance
mass exchange including
gas supply and under
perfusion conditions. In contrast to static and discontinuous medium supply, a dynamic culture can be achieved with continuous or alternating medium supply and integral
oxygenation. They provide a more physiologic supply in the
cell macro environment, including
homeostasis of
oxygen, pH,
nutrition, soluble factors, and gradients of metabolites for the cells. Also, medium perfusion can be achieved. Consequently the invention was made for cultures at
tissue density, especially stem cells and support cells, which strive to create their own
stem cell niche.