Researchers at Singapore's Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology said the gel liquefies when it is subjected to a moderate shear force. It solidifies into a gel within 1 minute upon removal of the force.

IBN Executive Director Jackie Ying said the gel is synthesized from a nanocomposite of silica and polyethylene glycol under room temperature, without special storage conditions.

"Cell culture is conventionally performed on a flat surface such as glass slides," said Ying. "It is an essential process in biological and medical research and is widely used to process cells, synthesize biologics and develop treatments for a large variety of diseases.

"Cell culture within a 3-D matrix would better mimic the actual conditions in the body as compared to the conventional 2-D cell culture on flat surfaces," he added. "Three-D cell culture also promises the development of better cell assays for drug screening."

The research is reported in the journal Nature Nanotechnology.