Plasma processes for the creation of customizable bio-instructive surfaces and interfaces

The growth and study of living cells outside their native organisms forms the foundation of modern biology and underpin medicine. It has led to the identification of stem cells and the development of methods that can reprogram mature cells into pluripotent states, creating enormous potential for new therapies that can cure previously untreatable conditions and enable the repair of patient-specific tissues and organs. Accessing these advances, however, will require the development of sophisticated new cell culture materials and technologies. This Perspective article reviews the development of cell culture and current cell culture capabilities, with particular attention to the influence of spatial and temporal factors. We discuss traditional 2D culture, the complexities of 3D systems, and the emergence of 2.5D approaches as an alternative to high throughput 2D systems. Untapped potential and barriers to progress are identified while the new materials and technologies needed to drive the field forward are discussed.