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Bioprinting for cancer research
Stephanie Knowlton1, Sevgi Onal1, Chu Hsiang Yu2
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut, 260 Glenbrook Road, Storrs, CT 06269, USA.
Trends in Biotechnology
|July 29, 2015
Summary
Bioprinting creates complex 3D cell structures for cancer research, improving upon 2D models. These advanced bioprinted cancer models offer better insights into tumor environments and drug development.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology and Biomedical Engineering
- Cancer Research and Therapeutics
Background:
- Bioprinting enables the fabrication of intricate 3D architectures using living cells.
- This technology has broad applications, particularly in advancing cancer research.
- Traditional 2D cancer models lack the complexity and physiological relevance of in vivo tumors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current bioprinting technologies for creating 3D cancer models.
- To compare the advantages of 3D bioprinted cancer models over traditional 2D models.
- To highlight the potential of bioprinted models in understanding cancer pathology and developing treatments.
Main Methods:
- Review of established bioprinting techniques including inkjet, microextrusion, and laser-based methods.
- Comparison of structural and functional characteristics between 2D and 3D bioprinted cancer models.
- Analysis of how bioprinted models replicate the tumor microenvironment.
Main Results:
- Bioprinting allows for precise patterning of cells, macromolecules, and biomaterials.
- 3D bioprinted cancer models better mimic in vivo conditions, including cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions.
- These models provide a more accurate platform for studying tumor complexity compared to 2D cultures.
Conclusions:
- Bioprinting technologies offer a powerful tool for developing advanced 3D cancer models.
- Bioprinted models significantly enhance the study of cancer pathology and the tumor microenvironment.
- These models are crucial for effective anticancer drug screening and the development of novel cancer therapies.
