查看文章

Cellular activities in 3D are differentially affected by several matrix‐intrinsic and extrinsic factors. This study highlights the relevance of optimizing initial cell densities when establishing 3D cultures for specific applications. Independently of the entrapping density, MSCs cultured within RGD‐alginate hydrogels showed steady‐state levels of metabolic activity and were in a nearly non‐proliferative state, but recovered “normal” activity levels when retrieved from 3D matrices and re‐cultured as monolayers. Importantly, high‐densities promoted the establishment of cell–cell contacts with formation of multicellular clusters stabilized by endogenous ECM, and also stimulated MSCs osteogenic differentiation. These MSC‐ECM microtissues may be used as building blocks for tissue engineering.