Fig. 1. Schematic of process to perform 3D culture in microchambers.

(a) Cells expanded in 2D culture are detached and suspended in melted gelatin. The gelatin mixture is emulsified in an oil bath and solidified on ice. The resulting cell-encapsulating microbead gels are then embedded in a UV-polymerized hydrogel. (b) The encapsulated microbeads are melted at 37 °C, allowing the cells to sink. The cells can then populate the surfaces of the resulting hollow microchamber.