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Three-Dimensional Bone Extracellular Matrix Model for Osteosarcoma
Published on: April 12, 2019
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An Osteosarcoma Model by 3D Printed Polyurethane Scaffold and In Vitro Generated Bone Extracellular Matrix.
Nicola Contessi Negrini1, Claudio Ricci2, Federica Bongiorni1
1Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "G. Natta", Politecnico di Milano, 20131 Milan, Italy.
Cancers
|April 23, 2022
Summary
Researchers developed advanced 3D in vitro models for osteosarcoma using 3D printed polyurethane scaffolds. These models, enriched with human mesenchymal stromal cell (hMSC) biomolecules, offer a biomimetic microenvironment for studying osteosarcoma progression and potential treatments.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Cancer Biology
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Osteosarcoma presents a poor prognosis, particularly with recurrence or metastasis, necessitating novel research tools.
- Current 2D models lack the complexity to fully replicate in vivo conditions, while in vivo models face reproducibility challenges.
- 3D in vitro models offer a promising alternative, balancing complexity and reproducibility for studying complex diseases like osteosarcoma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize novel 3D in vitro osteosarcoma models using 3D printed polyurethane (PU) scaffolds.
- To investigate the influence of human mesenchymal stromal cell (hMSC)-derived biomolecules on osteosarcoma cell behavior within these 3D models.
- To establish a biomimetic microenvironment for osteosarcoma research and therapeutic development.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of PU scaffolds with varying morphologies using fused deposition modeling (FDM) to control pore characteristics.
- Characterization of scaffold properties, including stability, porosity (55-67%), and mechanical properties (Young's modulus 0.5-4.0 MPa).
- Development of the 3D model by seeding SAOS-2 osteosarcoma cells onto scaffolds pre-conditioned with either undifferentiated or osteo-differentiated hMSC-secreted extracellular matrix (ECM).
Main Results:
- Printed PU scaffolds demonstrated stability, adequate porosity, tunable mechanical properties, and cytocompatibility.
- Scaffolds with specific designs (0.7 mm inter-filament distance, 60° pattern) were identified as optimal.
- SAOS-2 cells exhibited optimal colonization on scaffolds pre-cultured with osteo-differentiated hMSC-secreted ECM, indicating a suitable biomimetic microenvironment.
Conclusions:
- 3D printed PU scaffolds enriched with hMSC-secreted biomolecules provide a viable and biomimetic in vitro model for osteosarcoma.
- This advanced model can facilitate deeper understanding of osteosarcoma biology and aid in the development of new therapeutic strategies.
- The developed model serves as a reliable alternative to traditional 2D and in vivo models for osteosarcoma research.

