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Updated: Feb 3, 2026

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Integration of hyper-compliant microparticles into a 3D melanoma tumor model

Manisha K Shah1, Elizabeth A Leary1, Eric M Darling2

  • 1Center for Biomedical Engineering, Brown University, RI, USA.

Journal of Biomechanics
|November 6, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Researchers studied how compliant microparticles (MPs) enter cancer and normal cell spheroids. Melanoma cells incorporated softer MPs more readily, suggesting potential for targeted drug delivery to tumors.

Area of Science:

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Materials Science
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Multicellular spheroids mimic tumor microenvironments, crucial for studying drug delivery.
  • Understanding microparticle (MP) interaction with spheroids is key for therapeutic applications.
  • Limited studies exist on cell-sized MP uptake into 3D tumor models.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the incorporation and penetration of compliant polyacrylamide microparticles (MPs) into cancer and normal human cell spheroids.
  • To assess the influence of MP mechanical properties on spheroid interaction.

Main Methods:

  • Collagen-1-coated polyacrylamide MPs (stiffness: 0.1 and 9 kPa; diameter: 15-30 µm) were introduced into spheroids (diameter ~100 µm).
  • MP incorporation and penetration were tracked for up to 22 hours.
  • Comparison between melanoma and normal human cell spheroids was performed.

Main Results:

  • Mature spheroids of both cell types recognized and integrated MPs.
  • Melanoma spheroids showed greater influence from MP mechanical properties compared to normal cell spheroids.
  • Melanoma spheroids exhibited a higher tendency to incorporate and displace more compliant MPs over time.

Conclusions:

  • Hyper-compliant MPs can penetrate 3D tumor models with natural extracellular matrix.
  • This suggests a novel platform for delivering therapeutics to the core of tumors and micrometastases.
  • MP compliance significantly impacts interaction with melanoma spheroids, offering potential for targeted therapies.
Keywords:
Drug deliveryHigh-throughputParticle penetrationSpheroid

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