Recent advances in spheroid-based microfluidic models to mimic the tumour microenvironment

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Cancer Research
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Conventional cell cultures lack the complexity of the human tumor microenvironment.
• Three-dimensional (3D) multicellular spheroids better mimic in vivo conditions, including architectural structures and cellular interactions.
• Microfluidic platforms are increasingly utilized for spheroid formation due to their ability to replicate the in vivo microenvironment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the advantages of 3D spheroid cultures.
• To summarize recent applications of 3D spheroids in studying tumor microenvironment interactions.
• To highlight the use of microfluidic devices for 3D tumor spheroid research.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of 3D spheroid culture techniques.
• Analysis of microfluidic platforms for spheroid formation and analysis.
• Synthesis of studies on cellular and external stimuli interactions within 3D spheroids.

Main Results:

• 3D spheroid models provide a more accurate representation of the tumor microenvironment compared to 2D cultures.
• Microfluidic platforms enable precise control over spheroid formation and mimicry of in vivo conditions.
• Studies demonstrate the utility of 3D spheroids in investigating cellular interactions and responses to external stimuli.

Conclusions:

• 3D tumor spheroid-based microfluidic devices are valuable tools for understanding complex biological systems.
• These platforms facilitate research into cellular and external interactions within the tumor microenvironment.
• The application of these advanced models holds promise for the discovery of novel cancer therapeutics.