Shape guides the growth of organoids

Tissue geometry controls intestinal organoid patterning. Credit: Mike Nikolaev (EPFL). Organoids are miniature lab-grown tissue structures that can mimic real organs. But guiding stem cells to grow an organoid of defined shape and size is difficult. Now, EPFL bioengineers have developed new methods for successfully guiding the stem cells to grow into intestinal tissues with real-life 3D structure and function. Image: Tissue geometry controls intestinal organoid patterning. Immunofluorescence images showing micropatterning can be used to generate intestinal organoids with predictable and reproducible shape and pattern of stem cells and differentiated cells.