In Vitro Study of Colon Cancer Cell Migration Using E-Jet 3D Printed Cell Culture Platforms

The development of accurate and predictive in vitro experimental models of human tumors consistent with in vivo tumor microenvironments has garnered great attention in modern cancer research. 3D scaffolds are fabricated in this study by E-jet 3D printing with the aim of replicating the functionalities of tumor microenvironments in vitro which could be applicable as screening platforms for novel therapeutic strategies. Tumor protein 53 (p53) plays an important role in penetration and migration in 2D cell culture. However, whether or not p53 has the same function in 3D cell culture and the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Results show that p53 deletion significantly decreases the speed of migration and proliferation of cancer cells within 3D environments. This study unveils aspects of cancer cell motility and migration and the steps involved in subsequent cancer metastases, which provides a new perspective and platform for the research of tumor metastasis therapy.