3D-Printed Whole Prostate Models with Tumor Hotspots Using Dual-Extruder Printer

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Histology
• 3D Printing Technology

Background:

• 3D printing is increasingly used in biomedical fields.
• Physical models of anatomical structures aid teaching and analysis.
• Current methods lack realistic, detailed tissue models.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a method for creating realistic 3D-printed models of mouse prostates with tumors.
• To combine 3D histology with 3D printing for tangible anatomical representations.
• To improve visualization of tumor locations within tissue samples.

Main Methods:

• Utilized 3D histology on HE-stained serial sections of mouse prostates.
• Created surface meshes from annotated tumor areas and prostate tissue.
• Employed interpolation to enhance sparse image data.
• Processed meshes using Fiji, Meshlab, and Tinkercad.
• Printed models using a dual-extruder 3D printer for distinct tissue and tumor visualization.

Main Results:

• Generated realistic 3D-printed models of mouse prostates.
• Successfully visualized tumors, including those on the organ's edges.
• Demonstrated that transparent filament allows internal tumor visibility.
• Achieved distinct color representation for tumors and surrounding prostate tissue.

Conclusions:

• The combined 3D histology and 3D printing approach yields realistic and informative physical models.
• These models enhance the understanding of tumor location and morphology.
• The technique offers a valuable tool for research, education, and analysis in oncology and histology.