Fish Cell Spheroids, a Promising In Vitro Model to Mimic In Vivo Research: A Review

This review highlights the potential of fish cell spheroids as a promising in vitro model that closely mimics in vivo conditions, offering significant advantages over traditional 2D cultures. These 3D spheroid cultures, derived from fish species like rainbow trout and zebrafish, provide a more accurate and ethical alternative for research in fields such as toxicology, pharmacology, and cancer research. They enhance cell-to-cell interactions and better replicate tissue architecture, making them effective for studying physiological and toxicological responses, drug metabolism, and environmental impacts. Despite challenges in spheroid production, such as scalability and cost, fish cell spheroids align with the 3Rs of animal experimentation by potentially reducing the need for live animal testing. Further research is needed to standardize protocols and validate findings, but they hold immense potential for advancing fish biology research and aquaculture sustainability.