In this work a novel multi-purpose platform for the three-dimensional cultivation of cells is described, its main component being a polymer chip (CellChip) that features a microstructured area of 1-2cm2. The microstructured area is realized as a grid of micro-containers measuring 300m in depth, length and height. Depending on the cells and the chip type used up to 7*106 cells can be cultivated on one chip. For the facilitation of nutrient and oxygen supply the CellChip can be inserted into a bioreactor housing that can be tailored to the specific application. For drug screening and other...