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| What is RASTRUM Allegro? | RASTRUM Allegro is Inventia Life Science’s high-throughput 3D cell culture bioprinting instrument within the RASTRUM 3D cell culture platform. It uses drop-on-demand technology to produce reproducible, matrix-embedded 3D cell models in standard well-plate formats for disease modeling, drug discovery, screening, and assay development workflows. |
| What does RASTRUM Allegro do? | RASTRUM Allegro helps researchers generate 3D cell models with reproducible matrix deposition, cell placement, and plate-based formatting. The platform is designed to make complex 3D biology more scalable for applications such as disease modeling, drug profiling, high-content imaging, and high-throughput screening. |
| How fast can RASTRUM Allegro print 3D cell culture plates? | RASTRUM Allegro prints a 96-well plate in approximately 6 minutes and a 384-well plate in approximately 9 minutes. Total workflow time may vary depending on initialization, cleaning, model architecture, protocol, and experimental setup. |
| What throughput can RASTRUM Allegro support in an 8-hour day? | RASTRUM Allegro can support 35+ plates in an 8-hour day under specified workflows. Throughput depends on plate format, selected architecture, cell model, protocol steps, and workflow design, so final throughput should be confirmed for each experimental setup. |
| How reproducible are 3D cell models produced with RASTRUM Allegro? | Inventia materials report post-print intra- and inter-plate CVs below 10% and downstream assay CVs below 19% in specified RASTRUM Allegro studies. Reproducibility depends on cell type, matrix, model architecture, assay, operator workflow, and analysis method. |
| How does RASTRUM Allegro help conserve limited or precious cell samples? | RASTRUM Allegro is designed to reduce cell waste and help researchers produce more 3D models from limited samples. It can produce up to 3.5x more cell models from a given cell input, depending on model architecture, plate format, and workflow conditions. |
| What plate formats does RASTRUM Allegro support? | RASTRUM Allegro supports standard well-plate workflows, including 96-well and 384-well formats for compatible model architectures. Architecture availability and plate format depend on the selected RASTRUM model design, application, and downstream analysis requirements. |
| How does RASTRUM Allegro support high-throughput 3D drug screening? | RASTRUM Allegro supports high-throughput 3D drug screening by printing reproducible, matrix-embedded 3D cell models in plate-based formats for treatment-response and compound-screening workflows. Depending on the model and assay, workflows can support dose-response studies, cytotoxicity assays, viability readouts, high-content screening, imaging, and other downstream analyses. |
| What kinds of 3D cell models can be produced with RASTRUM Allegro? | RASTRUM Allegro can support 3D cell models for cancer, tumor microenvironment, stromal biology, fibroblast activation, drug screening, toxicology, patient-derived cell, and iPSC-derived model workflows where the cells, matrix, architecture, and assay are compatible. The model design is selected based on the biology and readouts required. |
| Is RASTRUM Allegro for clinical or diagnostic use? | RASTRUM Allegro is intended for research use only and is not for use in diagnostic procedures. Applications described in Inventia materials are research applications, including disease modeling, drug discovery, assay development, and screening workflows. |
| What are RASTRUM Matrices? | RASTRUM Matrices are tunable, synthetic, PEG-based hydrogel matrix formulations used with the RASTRUM platform to create defined 3D cell culture microenvironments. They can be selected and configured around properties such as stiffness, ECM-derived components, additives, model architecture, and assay requirements. |
| How are RASTRUM Matrices different from Matrigel or basement membrane extract? | RASTRUM Matrices are defined, tunable, synthetic PEG-based hydrogel alternatives to animal-derived extracellular matrix materials such as Matrigel or basement membrane extract. Unlike BME-based systems, RASTRUM Matrix workflows allow researchers to control matrix stiffness, model architecture, and selected biochemical components for the intended application. |
| What is a xeno-free synthetic hydrogel for 3D cell culture? | A xeno-free synthetic hydrogel is a 3D culture matrix made without animal-derived components and engineered to provide defined physical and biochemical properties. In 3D cell culture, synthetic hydrogels can help reduce biological variability while allowing matrix stiffness and adhesive signals to be controlled. |
| What does PEG-based mean in 3D cell culture matrices? | PEG-based means the matrix uses polyethylene glycol as a synthetic hydrogel backbone. PEG-based matrices are often used in 3D cell culture because they can be engineered with controlled stiffness, degradability, and biochemical cues such as adhesive peptides or extracellular matrix-related additives. |
| Why does matrix stiffness matter in 3D cell culture? | Matrix stiffness can influence how cells grow, move, organize, differentiate, and respond to treatments in 3D culture. Matching stiffness to the biological question can help researchers create more relevant microenvironments for studying disease processes, tumor behavior, stromal signaling, and therapeutic response. |
| How can matrix stiffness affect tumor cell phenotype? | Matrix stiffness can affect tumor cell morphology, growth, migration, signaling, and treatment response in 3D models. In tumor microenvironment research, tuning stiffness can help researchers study how physical properties of the extracellular environment contribute to cancer cell behavior and stromal interactions. |
| What ECM-derived components can be included in RASTRUM Matrices? | RASTRUM Matrix workflows can incorporate ECM-derived components selected for the biology and application, such as collagen, laminin, fibronectin, and other matrix-associated cues. The appropriate formulation should be selected based on the cell type, model architecture, assay workflow, and experimental goals. |
| What matrix additives can be used in RASTRUM workflows? | RASTRUM matrix workflows may include additives selected to support specific biological contexts. Inventia workflow materials reference examples such as hyaluronic acid, fibronectin, and laminin. Additive selection should be matched to the model, cell type, tissue context, and downstream analysis. |
| What are MMP-sensitive sites in 3D cell culture matrices? | MMP-sensitive sites are matrix features that can be remodeled by matrix metalloproteinases produced by cells. In 3D culture, these sites can allow cells to interact with, degrade, and reorganize their microenvironment, which may be relevant for migration, invasion, stromal remodeling, and tissue-like behavior. |
| Can cells be recovered from RASTRUM Matrices for downstream analysis? | RASTRUM workflows can be designed to support cell recovery for downstream analysis where the selected matrix, architecture, and protocol are compatible. Potential downstream applications may include RNA, DNA, protein analysis, flow cytometry, single-cell sequencing, or other molecular workflows depending on the model. |
| What is an inert base layer in a RASTRUM 3D model? | An inert base layer is a non-functionalized PEG-based gel layer printed between the tissue culture plastic and the 3D cell model. It helps reduce cell attachment to plastic, limiting 2D monolayer formation and unwanted activation or altered behavior that can occur when cells contact the plastic surface. |
| Why does RASTRUM use an inert base layer? | RASTRUM uses an inert base layer in many architectures to minimize cell migration out of the hydrogel and reduce attachment to the plastic well surface. This helps prevent mixed 2D and 3D cell behavior that could affect experimental consistency and interpretation. |
| When should researchers use a defined matrix instead of Matrigel or BME? | Researchers may prefer a defined matrix when they need greater control over stiffness, composition, biochemical cues, reproducibility, or animal-component exposure. Defined matrices can be especially useful for screening, mechanistic studies, regulatory-sensitive workflows, and experiments where batch variability could affect interpretation. |
| What are RASTRUM cell model architectures? | RASTRUM cell model architectures are predefined 3D model formats that control how cells and matrices are arranged within a well. Different architectures support different experimental goals, such as imaging, screening, co-culture, migration, invasion, omics, histology, or high-throughput workflows. |
| How do researchers choose the right RASTRUM architecture for an experiment? | Researchers should choose a RASTRUM architecture based on the biological question, plate format, cell number, assay, imaging needs, co-culture design, and downstream analysis. For example, imaging-focused studies may use Imaging Models, while omics or flow cytometry may require Large Plug-style formats. |
| What is the RASTRUM Imaging Model used for? | The RASTRUM Imaging Model is a small single-matrix architecture designed for fast imaging, minimal cell usage, and compatibility with standard analysis techniques. It can support brightfield imaging, immunofluorescence imaging, high-content screening, biochemical assays, and selected drug-screening workflows where compatible. |
| What is the RASTRUM Large Plug Model used for? | The RASTRUM Large Plug Model is a single-matrix architecture intended to generate larger amounts of cellular material for expansion and bulk downstream analyses, including DNA, RNA, and protein analysis where compatible. It can also support therapeutic testing, automated imaging, organoid or tumoroid culture, and direct co-culture workflows. |
| What is the RASTRUM Screening Model used for? | The RASTRUM Screening Model is a single-matrix architecture optimized for scalable 384-well workflows on RASTRUM Allegro. It is intended for applications such as drug screening, cytotoxicity assays, and mechanistic studies where efficient data collection and plate-based scalability are important. |
| What is the RASTRUM High Throughput Model used for? | The RASTRUM High Throughput Model is a single-matrix architecture optimized for 384-well high-throughput workflows. It supports scalable data collection for applications such as drug screening, high-content screening, high-content imaging, and biochemical assays where the model and assay are compatible. |
| Which RASTRUM architecture is used for 384-well drug screening? | For RASTRUM Allegro, the Screening Model is the primary 384-well architecture for scalable drug-screening workflows. It is designed for efficient data collection in applications such as dose-response studies, cytotoxicity assays, mechanistic studies, high-content screening, fluorescence staining, imaging, and compatible colorimetric assays. |
| What is the RASTRUM Dual-Matrix architecture used for? | The RASTRUM Dual-Matrix architecture arranges two matrix regions to support spatially controlled 3D co-culture and interaction studies. It can be used for migration, invasion, tissue architecture, cell signaling, and studies where researchers need to evaluate interactions between distinct cell populations or microenvironments. |
| What is the RASTRUM Triple Matrix - Imaging architecture used for? | The RASTRUM Triple Matrix - Imaging architecture is designed to model short-distance interactions between tissue compartments in 3D. It can support studies of cell-cell communication, migration, invasion, immuno-oncology, metastasis, neurite outgrowth, automated image analysis, and downstream molecular biology applications. |
| What is the RASTRUM Mematix Model? | The RASTRUM Mematix Model is a single-matrix architecture for transwell insert membrane workflows. It is intended for advanced migration and signaling studies, including evaluation of cell movement, migration, invasion, chemotaxis, and paracrine signaling depending on the experimental design. |
| What is the RASTRUM Removable Model used for? | The RASTRUM Removable Model is a large removable architecture designed for 24-well plates and printed on coverslips. It supports workflows where the hydrogel structure needs to be removed for downstream analysis, including histology, spatial biology, high-resolution microscopy, sectioning, or implantation studies where appropriate. |
| Which RASTRUM architecture is best for RNA, protein, omics, or flow cytometry? | RASTRUM Large Plug architectures are generally better suited to bulk downstream analyses because they can provide more cellular material. Depending on the workflow, they can support DNA, RNA, and protein analysis, flow cytometry, omics workflows, fluorescence staining, and high-magnification imaging. |
| Which RASTRUM architectures are used for migration, invasion, or spatial co-culture studies? | RASTRUM Dual-Matrix, Triple Matrix, and Mematix architectures are commonly positioned for studies requiring spatial control, migration, invasion, cell-cell communication, paracrine signaling, or tissue-like interfaces. The best architecture depends on whether the experiment requires adjacent compartments, layered interfaces, or transwell-style signaling. |
| What are RASTRUM Workflow Paths? | RASTRUM Workflow Paths are Inventia’s routes for helping researchers build, run, and adopt 3D cell model workflows. The main paths include Discovery Mode for flexible model development and Validated Solutions for predefined workflows in specific contexts of use, with Discovery Services available for expert support. |
| What is Discovery Mode? | Discovery Mode is a flexible RASTRUM workflow path for researchers who need to design, build, and optimize a new 3D cell model. It is used when an existing Validated Solution does not match the biology, cell type, assay, or experimental constraints of the project. |
| When should researchers use Discovery Mode? | Researchers should use Discovery Mode when they need flexibility to create or adapt a 3D model around a specific cell type, disease biology, matrix, model architecture, assay, or readout. It is best suited for exploratory workflows where the optimal model parameters still need to be defined. |
| What is a RASTRUM Validated Solution? | A RASTRUM Validated Solution is a predefined 3D cell model workflow built for a specific biological context of use. It includes structured guidance such as model parameters, protocols, biological or functional validation data, acceptance criteria, and supporting evidence to help researchers start faster. |
| When should researchers use a Validated Solution? | Researchers should use a Validated Solution when their project aligns with an available predefined RASTRUM workflow and they want to reduce setup time, minimize optimization burden, and begin with established model parameters, protocol guidance, and supporting data for a defined context of use. |
| What is the difference between Discovery Mode, Validated Solutions, and Discovery Services? | Discovery Mode supports flexible development of new or customized 3D models. Validated Solutions provide predefined workflows for specific contexts of use. Discovery Services provides Inventia scientific support to optimize models, run screening programs, develop custom validated workflows, or transfer workflows into a customer lab. |
| What are Inventia Discovery Services? | Inventia Discovery Services are scientific services that help researchers design, optimize, validate, screen, and transfer 3D cell model workflows using RASTRUM technology. The services support teams that need expert help moving from model concept to usable data and, where appropriate, in-house adoption. |
| How does Inventia help optimize 3D cell models? | Researchers can use RASTRUM workflows to optimize many 3D model parameters themselves, including matrix selection, cell density, cell ratios, architecture, culture conditions, timing, morphology, viability, QC criteria, and downstream assay compatibility. Discovery Services can be layered on when teams need Inventia scientists to accelerate optimization, troubleshoot, validate, or run defined work. |
| Can Inventia run 3D screening programs for customers? | Inventia can run defined 3D screening programs using optimized RASTRUM-based models when customers need data generation support. Depending on scope, programs may include treatment studies, compound response workflows, imaging, viability assays, gene expression, or other downstream analyses. |
| What is a custom validated solution? | A custom validated solution is a RASTRUM-based 3D workflow developed or adapted for a customer’s specific biology, disease model, cell type, assay, or context of use when an existing Validated Solution does not fully meet the need. The workflow may include optimized parameters, supporting data, and transfer materials. |
| How does technology transfer work in a Discovery Services project? | Technology transfer can include detailed protocols, annotated reports, data packages, images, optimization recommendations, QC guidance, training, troubleshooting, and scientific support. The goal is to help the customer move from Inventia-led execution to confident use of the workflow in their own lab where appropriate. |
| What is included in a RASTRUM Protocol Pack? | A RASTRUM Protocol Pack is intended to provide the practical workflow information needed to run a defined RASTRUM model, such as model setup, printing parameters, cell culture conditions, assay steps, QC checkpoints, and handling guidance. Exact contents depend on the Validated Solution. |
| What is included in a RASTRUM Data Pack? | A RASTRUM Data Pack is intended to summarize the data supporting a Validated Solution, such as biological or functional validation results, assay performance, representative images, response data, acceptance criteria, and relevant benchmarks. Exact contents should be confirmed for each solution. |
| What does “context of use” mean for a RASTRUM Validated Solution? | Context of use describes the specific biological question, model configuration, assay, readout, and workflow conditions for which a RASTRUM Validated Solution has been developed and assessed. It helps researchers understand where the workflow is intended to be used and where additional optimization may be needed. |
| Can a RASTRUM workflow move from Inventia-led services into a customer’s lab? | Yes. Discovery Services can support a path where Inventia helps develop, optimize, or run an initial workflow and then transfers protocols, data, recommendations, and practical know-how to the customer’s team for in-house implementation. The transfer plan depends on project scope and customer readiness. |
| What is the RASTRUM PDAC Validated Solution? | The RASTRUM PDAC Validated Solution is a 3D pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma workflow designed to model tumor-stroma interactions using pancreatic cancer cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts in a defined RASTRUM matrix environment. It supports research into therapeutic response, stromal signaling, and combination screening. |
| What cell types are used in the RASTRUM PDAC Validated Solution? | Inventia’s PDAC Validated Solution materials describe a 3D tumor-CAF co-culture using pancreatic cancer cells such as PANC-1 or AsPC-1 paired with primary PDAC cancer-associated fibroblasts. Exact cell types, ratios, matrix, and treatment conditions should be confirmed for the selected workflow. |
| How does the PDAC Validated Solution model tumor-stroma interactions? | The PDAC Validated Solution uses a 3D co-culture format to place pancreatic cancer cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts in a matrix environment where tumor-stroma crosstalk can be studied. This can support research into stromal signaling, response modulation, resistance mechanisms, and combination therapy strategies. |
| How does the PDAC Validated Solution support combination therapy screening? | The PDAC workflow can support treatment-response and combination-therapy studies using a reproducible tumor-CAF 3D model with defined treatment timing and readouts. Example reference compounds for the PDAC workflow include gemcitabine, paclitaxel, and galunisertib, subject to final validation and context-of-use requirements. |
| What readouts are used in the PDAC Validated Solution? | Readouts for the PDAC Validated Solution should be described based on the specific workflow and Data Pack. Potential outputs may include imaging-based assessment, viability or treatment response, marker analysis, and other assay-specific endpoints used to evaluate the tumor-CAF model. |
| What is the RASTRUM Fibroblast Activation Validated Solution? | The RASTRUM Fibroblast Activation Validated Solution is a 3D workflow designed to study fibroblast activation and stromal signaling. It can support research into TGF-beta-driven activation, extracellular matrix remodeling, cellular crosstalk, and fibroblast-containing co-culture development. |
| How is fibroblast activation induced in the Fibroblast Activation workflow? | The Fibroblast Activation workflow uses TGF-beta treatment to study activation-associated changes in fibroblasts in 3D culture. Treatment timing, exposure duration, matrix, cell density, and readouts are defined by the workflow and should be reviewed in the relevant Protocol Pack and Data Pack. |
| What readouts support fibroblast activation in the RASTRUM workflow? | Fibroblast activation readouts should be described according to the approved Data Pack. Potential outputs may include morphology, imaging, extracellular matrix remodeling, collagen-associated markers, alpha-SMA, COL1A1, or other activation-related endpoints depending on the workflow and assay design. |
| How can fibroblast activation models support tumor microenvironment research? | Fibroblast activation models can help researchers study stromal signaling, extracellular matrix remodeling, and fibroblast-driven changes in the tumor microenvironment. In 3D workflows, activated fibroblasts may be used to explore cell-cell crosstalk and how stromal context influences tumor behavior or therapeutic response. |
| Can a RASTRUM Validated Solution be customized? | A RASTRUM Validated Solution may be adapted when a customer needs different cells, assays, readouts, or biological constraints than the predefined workflow supports. Customization may be handled through Discovery Mode or Discovery Services, depending on the amount of optimization and validation required. |
| What evidence supports a RASTRUM Validated Solution? | Evidence supporting a RASTRUM Validated Solution may include optimized model parameters, reproducibility data, biological or functional readouts, reference treatments, assay performance, representative images, acceptance criteria, and benchmarks. The exact evidence package should be reviewed for each Validated Solution. |
| How can researchers model the tumor microenvironment in vitro? | Researchers can model the tumor microenvironment in vitro by combining cancer cells with stromal, immune, endothelial, or other relevant cell types in a 3D matrix environment. RASTRUM supports defined 3D architectures and matrix conditions that can be configured to study tumor-stroma crosstalk, phenotype, and response. |
| What is a 3D tumor-stroma co-culture model? | A 3D tumor-stroma co-culture model combines tumor cells with stromal cells, such as fibroblasts or cancer-associated fibroblasts, in a 3D matrix environment. These models help researchers study crosstalk, matrix remodeling, tumor growth, invasion, and treatment response under more biologically relevant conditions than many 2D formats. |
| Why are cancer-associated fibroblasts used in 3D tumor models? | Cancer-associated fibroblasts are used in 3D tumor models because they are important stromal cells in many tumors. They can influence extracellular matrix remodeling, tumor cell signaling, invasion, immune interactions, and drug response, making them useful for studying tumor microenvironment effects in vitro. |
| How can researchers model T-cell infiltration into a 3D tumor model? | Researchers can model T-cell infiltration by combining 3D tumor models with immune cells and using imaging or other readouts to track immune-cell contact, movement, penetration, or cytotoxic effects. Model architecture, matrix properties, tumor cell type, immune-cell source, and assay timing all influence the workflow. |
| What are 3D immune-tumor co-culture assays? | 3D immune-tumor co-culture assays combine tumor cells and immune cells in a 3D matrix environment to study immune-cell behavior, tumor interaction, infiltration, cytotoxicity, or treatment response. These assays require careful design of cell ratios, matrix properties, timing, activation state, and imaging or functional readouts. |
| Can 3D models be used for checkpoint inhibitor or cell therapy screening? | 3D immune-tumor models may support research into checkpoint inhibitor biology or cell therapy response when the model includes appropriate tumor, immune, matrix, and assay components. Suitability depends on the specific mechanism, cell sources, readouts, and whether the workflow has been optimized for that context. |
| How does RASTRUM support high-throughput 3D drug screening? | RASTRUM supports high-throughput 3D drug screening by producing reproducible matrix-embedded models in plate-based formats and connecting them with downstream readouts such as viability, imaging, biochemical assays, and dose-response analysis. RASTRUM Allegro adds throughput and sample-efficiency features for larger screening workflows. |
| What downstream assays can be used with RASTRUM-generated 3D models? | Depending on model architecture and protocol, RASTRUM-generated 3D models can be compatible with downstream assays such as biochemical analysis, viability, high-content imaging, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, dose-response analysis, RNAi knockdown, sequencing, RNA/DNA analysis, protein analysis, and flow cytometry. |
| Can RASTRUM workflows integrate with high-content imaging and automated analysis? | RASTRUM workflows can be designed for compatibility with high-content imaging and automated image analysis when the model architecture, plate format, staining workflow, and imaging system are suitable. Imaging-focused and screening architectures are particularly relevant for plate-based imaging and quantitative analysis workflows. |
| How do 3D cell models improve drug discovery workflows compared with 2D culture? | 3D cell models can provide more biologically relevant microenvironments than many 2D cultures by allowing cells to interact with matrix and neighboring cells in three dimensions. This can support research into morphology, signaling, viability, treatment response, and disease-relevant phenotypes that may be difficult to capture in 2D. |
| How can RASTRUM support patient-derived 3D drug screens? | RASTRUM can support patient-derived 3D drug screening by producing matrix-embedded models from limited patient-derived cells where the selected cell type, matrix, architecture, and assay are compatible. The platform’s sample-efficient workflows may help conserve rare samples while enabling treatment-response testing in 3D. |
| How can 3D culture workflows conserve rare patient samples? | Sample-efficient 3D culture workflows can conserve rare patient samples by reducing dead volume, limiting manual handling losses, and producing more assay-ready models from a given cell input. RASTRUM Allegro helps researchers generate more models from precious samples, depending on architecture, protocol, and workflow conditions. |
| Can RASTRUM be used with patient-derived cells or iPSC-derived cells? | RASTRUM workflows may be developed with patient-derived cells, organoids, tumoroids, or iPSC-derived cells when the cells are compatible with the selected matrix, architecture, culture conditions, and assay. Workflow success depends on sample quality, cell behavior, optimization, and the intended downstream readout. |
| How can 3D models support biomarker discovery or translational research? | 3D models can support biomarker discovery and translational research by providing experimental systems where cellular phenotype, treatment response, gene expression, protein markers, morphology, and other readouts can be evaluated in a more tissue-like context. The appropriate readouts depend on the model and research question. |
| Can RASTRUM support 3D liver models for toxicology research? | RASTRUM can support 3D liver model development for toxicology research when the selected liver cells, matrix, architecture, and assay workflow are optimized for the intended application. RASTRUM-generated liver models can be used in research workflows for drug-induced liver injury and preclinical drug discovery studies. |
| How can 3D liver models support drug-induced liver injury research? | 3D liver models can support drug-induced liver injury research by enabling longer-term culture, treatment exposure, viability assessment, and functional or molecular readouts in a 3D microenvironment. Suitability depends on the liver cell source, model configuration, matrix, assay, and study design. |
| Can RASTRUM support iPSC-derived neural models? | RASTRUM workflows can support development of iPSC-derived neural 3D models when the selected neural cell types, matrix, architecture, culture duration, and assays are compatible. Relevant research applications include iPSC-derived CNS models and neuron-astrocyte co-culture workflows. |
| How can 3D bioprinted iPSC models support neurodegenerative disease research? | 3D bioprinted iPSC-derived models can support neurodegenerative disease research by allowing researchers to study neural cell behavior, connectivity, disease-relevant phenotypes, and treatment response in a controlled 3D environment. The model must be optimized for the relevant cell types, maturation state, and readouts. |
| What is RASTRUM Cloud? | RASTRUM Cloud is Inventia’s no-code software environment for planning RASTRUM 3D cell culture experiments. It helps users select matrices, model architectures, cell densities, and PrintRun designs, then supports workflow planning, protocol generation, quoting, ordering, and connection to the RASTRUM App. |
| What is a PrintRun in RASTRUM Cloud? | A PrintRun is a planned RASTRUM printing workflow that defines key experimental settings such as matrix, model architecture, plate format, cell density, and layout. It helps translate experimental design choices into an executable RASTRUM workflow and associated protocol guidance. |
| What is a PrintRun Protocol? | A PrintRun Protocol provides workflow instructions generated from a planned RASTRUM PrintRun. It is intended to help users prepare cells, matrices, plate setup, printing steps, and downstream workflow requirements for a specific RASTRUM experiment. |
| What is the RASTRUM App? | The RASTRUM App is part of the RASTRUM software workflow used to support printing and instrument operation after an experiment has been planned. RASTRUM Cloud helps design the experiment, while the app supports execution of the PrintRun on the RASTRUM platform. |
| How does RASTRUM Cloud help researchers select a matrix? | RASTRUM Cloud helps researchers plan matrix selection by organizing available matrix options and experimental variables such as stiffness, biological cues, additives, cell type, and application. Final matrix choice should be based on the biology, model architecture, assay, and any optimization data available. |
| How does RASTRUM Cloud help optimize cell density? | RASTRUM Cloud can support cell density planning by helping users configure model designs and PrintRuns that test or apply selected cell concentrations. Cell density optimization still depends on cell behavior, matrix selection, model architecture, culture timing, and downstream assay requirements. |
| How does RASTRUM Cloud support reproducible 3D cell model workflows? | RASTRUM Cloud supports reproducible workflows by helping users define and document key experiment variables before printing, including matrix, architecture, cell density, plate format, and protocol steps. Structured planning can reduce ambiguity and support repeatable execution across users and experiments. |
| What downstream applications can Discovery Services support? | Discovery Services can support or adapt downstream workflows depending on model scope, including high-content imaging, viability assays, gene expression, metabolic analysis, cytokine analysis, omics workflows, phenotypic screening, functional endpoint development, and novel readouts where technically feasible. |
| What does a customer receive at the end of a Discovery Services project? | Depending on project scope, customers may receive optimized model parameters, assay recommendations, data analysis, scientific reporting, annotated images, protocols, QC recommendations, screening results, and technology-transfer materials. Deliverables should be defined in the statement of work before the project begins. |
| How does a Discovery Services project start? | A Discovery Services project typically starts with a discussion of the customer’s biology, model requirements, assays, readouts, materials, timeline, and success criteria. Inventia then scopes the work, prepares a tailored statement of work, and begins kickoff and materials transfer after approval. |
| How long does a Discovery Services project take to start? | Most Discovery Services projects can begin within a few weeks after approval, depending on customization, complexity, material availability, and project scope. The current page states that many projects begin within 2-4 weeks after approval, which should be confirmed before schema publication. |
| Who owns the data from a Discovery Services project? | Discovery Services project data and customer-specific biological outputs are generally treated as customer-owned, while Inventia retains ownership of underlying RASTRUM matrices, printing technologies, and platform IP. Final ownership and confidentiality terms should follow the applicable agreement. |
| What support is available after a Discovery Services project is complete? | Post-project support may include remote technical support, scientific consultation, troubleshooting, workflow adaptation, continued optimization, and Customer Success support for RASTRUM users. The exact support model depends on the project scope, technology-transfer plan, and whether the workflow is being adopted in-house. |
| What areas of research can RASTRUM support? | RASTRUM can support a range of research areas where reproducible 3D cell models are useful, including cancer, tumor microenvironment biology, liver toxicology, brain and iPSC-derived models, fibroblast activation, immuno-oncology, drug discovery, and personalized medicine research. |
| How does RASTRUM create 3D cancer models? | RASTRUM creates 3D cancer models by printing cells and tunable matrices into defined well-plate architectures. Researchers can configure the matrix, stiffness, cell density, co-culture design, and downstream readouts to study tumor phenotype, tumor-stroma crosstalk, migration, invasion, or treatment response. |
| How are RASTRUM cancer models different from spheroids or organoids? | RASTRUM cancer models are matrix-embedded and bioprinted into defined architectures with tunable physical and biochemical parameters. Spheroids and organoids can provide valuable 3D biology, but RASTRUM adds control over matrix composition, stiffness, spatial architecture, plate format, and reproducibility for compatible workflows. |
| Can RASTRUM help reduce reliance on animal-derived matrices or animal models? | RASTRUM workflows can help researchers use defined 3D in vitro models and synthetic or xeno-free matrix options where compatible. These models may complement or reduce reliance on some animal-derived materials or animal studies in research workflows, but they do not universally replace animal models. |
| Can RASTRUM-generated 3D models be used with imaging and multi-omics workflows? | RASTRUM-generated 3D models can be designed for compatibility with imaging and molecular analysis workflows when the selected architecture, matrix, recovery method, and assay protocol support the intended readout. Potential outputs may include microscopy, gene expression, protein analysis, sequencing, or flow cytometry. |
| Why is reproducibility important in patient-derived 3D models? | Reproducibility is important in patient-derived 3D models because limited, variable, or heterogeneous samples can make it difficult to distinguish true biological response from workflow noise. Standardized matrices, architectures, protocols, and assay conditions can help improve confidence in research findings. |
| How can RASTRUM support fibroblast research? | RASTRUM can support fibroblast research by enabling 3D models that include fibroblasts alone or in co-culture with other cell types. These workflows may be used to study fibroblast activation, stromal signaling, extracellular matrix remodeling, tumor-stroma interactions, and tissue-specific microenvironment effects. |
| What is 3D cell culture? | 3D cell culture is a method of growing cells in three-dimensional environments rather than on flat two-dimensional surfaces. It can allow cells to interact with surrounding matrix and neighboring cells in ways that may better reflect selected aspects of tissue organization and cell behavior. |
| How is 3D cell culture different from 2D cell culture? | 2D cell culture grows cells on flat surfaces, while 3D cell culture places cells in aggregates, matrices, scaffolds, or other three-dimensional environments. 3D formats can change cell morphology, polarity, signaling, gene expression, and treatment response depending on the model and application. |
| What are spheroids? | Spheroids are 3D cell aggregates that form when cells cluster together, often without a defined external matrix. They are commonly used in cancer research, drug screening, and cell biology, but their size, shape, composition, and reproducibility can vary depending on formation method and cell type. |
| What are organoids? | Organoids are self-organizing 3D cell models that can represent selected structural or functional features of a tissue or organ. They are often derived from stem cells or patient-derived cells and are used in disease modeling, development biology, drug testing, and personalized medicine research. |
| What is the difference between spheroids, organoids, and matrix-embedded 3D models? | Spheroids are cell aggregates, organoids are self-organizing models that represent selected tissue features, and matrix-embedded 3D models culture cells within a surrounding hydrogel or extracellular matrix-like environment. Each format provides different levels of biological complexity, control, reproducibility, and assay compatibility. |
| What is matrix-embedded 3D cell culture? | Matrix-embedded 3D cell culture places cells within or alongside a hydrogel or extracellular matrix-like material so they can interact with their surrounding microenvironment. This format can support studies of cell morphology, matrix remodeling, migration, signaling, and treatment response in 3D. |
| What is 3D bioprinting for cell culture? | 3D bioprinting for cell culture uses automated dispensing or printing technologies to place cells, matrices, and other biomaterials into defined 3D formats. In research workflows, bioprinting can improve control over model geometry, patterning, reproducibility, and scalability compared with more manual approaches. |
| What is drop-on-demand bioprinting? | Drop-on-demand bioprinting is an automated printing approach that dispenses small, controlled volumes of cells and materials only where needed. In 3D cell culture, it can help create defined model geometries, reduce waste, and improve reproducibility across wells and plates. |
| What is a hydrogel in 3D cell culture? | A hydrogel is a water-rich polymer network used to provide a 3D environment for cells. In 3D cell culture, hydrogels can be engineered or selected for stiffness, porosity, biochemical cues, and degradability, which can influence how cells grow and behave. |
| What is the tumor microenvironment? | The tumor microenvironment is the network of non-cancer cells, extracellular matrix, soluble factors, and physical properties surrounding tumor cells. It can include fibroblasts, immune cells, endothelial cells, matrix components, and signaling cues that influence tumor growth, invasion, and treatment response. |
| What is phenotypic screening? | Phenotypic screening evaluates how cells or models respond to treatments by measuring observable features such as viability, morphology, marker expression, migration, or functional behavior. In 3D models, phenotypic screening can help assess treatment effects in a context that includes matrix and tissue-like organization. |
| What is a patient-derived 3D model? | A patient-derived 3D model is a research model created using cells or tissue from a patient sample and cultured in a three-dimensional format. These models can support studies of disease biology, treatment response, biomarker discovery, and precision medicine research depending on sample quality and assay design. |
| What are new approach methodologies in drug discovery? | New approach methodologies, or NAMs, are non-animal or alternative research methods used to generate human-relevant biological data. They can include in vitro cell models, organoids, microphysiological systems, computational models, and other approaches used to support drug discovery and safety research. |
| What does assay compatibility mean in 3D cell culture? | Assay compatibility means a 3D model can be used with a specific readout or analysis method without compromising model integrity or data quality. Compatibility depends on the matrix, architecture, staining or reagent penetration, imaging depth, cell recovery, and the biology being measured. |
| What does validation mean in a 3D cell model workflow? | Validation in a 3D cell model workflow means assessing whether the model performs as intended for a defined context of use. This may include reproducibility, viability, morphology, biological marker expression, functional response, assay performance, and benchmarks relevant to the research question. |
| What are the limitations of 3D cell culture? | 3D cell culture can provide valuable biological context, but it also introduces challenges such as model variability, assay compatibility, imaging depth, diffusion gradients, protocol complexity, cost, and interpretation of heterogeneous readouts. These limitations can be managed through careful model design, controls, and validation. |