Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 11, 2025
07:48
Three-Dimensional In Vitro Biomimetic Model of Neuroblastoma Using Collagen-Based Scaffolds
Published on: July 9, 2021
3.5K
Using biophysical cues and biomaterials to improve genetic models
Thomas G Molley1,2, Adam J Engler1,2
1Shu Chien-Gene Lay Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
Current Opinion in Biomedical Engineering
|November 6, 2023
Summary
Advanced biomaterials and microphysiological systems combined with disease-genetics-expressing stem cells can improve in vitro disease modeling, moving beyond rigid substrates for personalized therapeutics.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Stem Cell Biology
- Disease Modeling
Background:
- Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and differentiation protocols have advanced in vitro disease modeling.
- Current in vitro models often use rigid substrates, limiting disease mimicry.
- Animal models may be supplanted by in vitro systems in some cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in in vitro disease modeling.
- To highlight the potential of combining biomaterials and microphysiological systems with disease-genetics-expressing stem cells.
- To discuss challenges in developing personalized therapeutics.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on stem cell-based disease modeling.
- Analysis of advancements in biomaterials and microphysiological systems.
- Discussion of genetic engineering in stem cells for disease mimicry.
Main Results:
- Biomaterials and microphysiological systems can better recapitulate tissue properties compared to rigid substrates.
- Combining these advanced systems with genetically modified stem cells shows promise for improved disease modeling.
- Current limitations exist in fully reproducing human disease in vitro.
Conclusions:
- Integrating advanced biomaterials and microphysiological systems with stem cell technology offers a path to more accurate in vitro disease models.
- This approach could overcome limitations of current models and facilitate the development of personalized therapeutics.
- Further research is needed to address existing challenges in the field.
