Artificial tumor matrices and bioengineered tools for tumoroid generation.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Cancer Biology
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• The tumor microenvironment (TME) significantly influences tumor progression and metastasis.
• Understanding the TME is vital for developing effective cancer therapies.
• Artificial tumors, or tumoroids, offer a platform to study tumorigenesis and preclinical cancer treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current methods for constructing tumoroids for preclinical applications.
• To discuss artificial matrix materials and biofabrication techniques used in tumoroid development.
• To identify limitations of current tumoroids and propose future solutions.

Main Methods:

• Tumoroid construction methods including tumor tissue slices and co-culture systems.
• Utilization of natural and synthetic artificial matrix materials.
• Application of biofabrication techniques such as cell assembly, bioengineered tools, bioprinting, and microfluidic devices.

Main Results:

• Current tumoroid fabrication relies on interdisciplinary approaches combining cells and matrix components.
• Various natural and synthetic materials are employed as artificial matrices.
• Biofabrication techniques enable the precise assembly of tumor components.

Conclusions:

• Tumoroids are significant tools for understanding cancer biology and developing clinical therapies.
• Addressing current limitations in tumoroid technology is essential for advancing the field.
• Next-generation tumoroids hold great potential for basic research and clinical applications.