Self-organizing pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) can differentiate into multiple lineages giving rise to different germ layers and exhibiting complex tissue organization. The three-dimensional (3D) aggregates display key features of embryogenesis and recapitulate various cell types present in an organ in vivo. Different approaches have been taken to generate stem cell-based embryo models (blastoids, gastruloids) and organoids by directed differentiation of PSCs, iPSCs. Several bioengineering methods have also been utilized to generate organ-on-a-chip models which hold immense potential for regenerative therapies. With the advent of genome editing strategies and multi-omics approaches the utility of 3D organoids has opened novel avenues to model development and disease progression.

The aim of this collection is to bring together different approaches to generate 3D in vitro models from PSCs, genome editing tools and sequencing techniques, methods to perform high-throughput drug screening, imaging tools and bioengineering approaches to regenerative medicine. We anticipate this toolkit with robust and reproducible techniques will be foundational to our understanding of stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. This collection will also allow broader access to delineate molecular mechanisms of biological phenomenon, provide perspectives to improve reproducibility and encourage scientists to utilize stem cell-based 3D in vitro models for biological discovery.