Cell-seeded 3D scaffolds as in vitro models for electroporation

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Cell Biology
• Cancer Research

Background:

• Traditional 2D cell cultures and spheroids inadequately simulate in vivo cellular environments, particularly cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions.
• Existing 3D models like spheroids have limitations in mimicking the complex tumor microenvironment, especially cell-ECM dynamics relevant to therapies like electrochemotherapy (ECT).

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize a novel 3D myxoid stroma scaffold that accurately mimics the in vivo microenvironment for cell culture.
• To investigate the potential of this scaffold for studying cell-cell and cell-ECM interactions.
• To evaluate the scaffold's utility in enhancing electroporation studies by incorporating stromal effects.

Main Methods:

• A 3D macroscopic myxoid matrix scaffold was designed to replicate the composition of myxoid stroma (rich in glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans).
• MCF7 human breast adenocarcinoma cells were cultured on the scaffold for 24 hours, 3 days, and 7 days.
• Cell proliferation was assessed using the MTT assay, and electroporation efficacy was evaluated via Propidium iodide uptake. Histopathological analysis was also performed.

Main Results:

• The myxoid stroma scaffold supported cell proliferation and induced the formation of fibrous structures by the cells over time.
• Cellular fibrous structure concentration increased with extended culture duration.
• Electroporation was successfully verified using Propidium iodide uptake, indicating the scaffold's suitability for such studies.

Conclusions:

• The proposed 3D myxoid stroma scaffold effectively mimics key aspects of the in vivo tumor microenvironment.
• This novel scaffold facilitates crucial cell-cell and cell-ECM interactions, offering a more realistic model for in vitro studies.
• The scaffold holds significant promise for future research, particularly in evaluating the effects of stromal components on cell therapies like electroporation.