Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 9, 2025
Bioprinting Cellularized Constructs Using a Tissue-specific Hydrogel Bioink
Published on: April 21, 2016
Biomaterials-Involved Construction of Extracellular Matrices for Tumor Blockade Therapy
Jinfeng Sun1,2, Yang Liu1,3,4, Jingshan Sun1,3
1Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences Changchun P. R. China.
Abstract:
Extracellular matrices (ECMs) play a crucial role in the onset and progression of tumors by providing structural support and promoting the proliferation and metastases of tumor cells. Current therapeutic approaches targeting tumor ECMs focus on two main strategies: Inhibiting matrix degradation to prevent metastases and facilitating matrix degradation to enhance the penetration of drugs and immune cells. However, these strategies may lead to unintended consequences, such as tumor growth promotion, drug resistance, and side effects like fibrotic changes in healthy tissues. Biomaterials have made significant progress in fabricating artificial ECMs for tumor therapy by inducing biomineralization, fibrogenesis, or gelation. This perspective explores the fundamental concepts, benefits, and challenges of each technique. Additionally, future improvements and research directions in artificial ECMs are discussed, highlighting their potential to advance tumor therapy.
Insights
Artificial extracellular matrices (ECMs) offer novel tumor therapy strategies. Biomaterials can induce biomineralization, fibrogenesis, or gelation to overcome limitations of current ECM-targeting cancer treatments.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Oncology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Extracellular matrices (ECMs) are critical in tumor progression, proliferation, and metastasis.
- Current therapies targeting tumor ECMs have limitations, including unintended side effects and treatment resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore artificial ECM fabrication techniques for tumor therapy.
- To discuss the benefits and challenges of biomineralization, fibrogenesis, and gelation strategies.
- To highlight future research directions for advanced artificial ECMs in cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on ECM-targeting cancer therapies.
- Analysis of biomaterial-based artificial ECM fabrication methods.
- Discussion of therapeutic strategies including biomineralization, fibrogenesis, and gelation.
Main Results:
- Biomaterials can be engineered to create artificial ECMs.
- Artificial ECMs can be fabricated using biomineralization, fibrogenesis, or gelation.
- These approaches offer potential to overcome limitations of current ECM-targeting therapies.
Conclusions:
- Artificial ECMs present a promising avenue for innovative tumor therapy.
- Further research into biomaterial design and fabrication is crucial for clinical translation.
- Optimized artificial ECMs could enhance drug delivery and immune cell infiltration, improving cancer treatment outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
02:17The Tumor Microenvironment
01:29The Extracellular Matrix
In order to maintain tissue organization, many animal cells are surrounded by structural molecules that make up the extracellular matrix (ECM). Together, the molecules in the ECM maintain the structural integrity of tissue as well as the remarkable specific properties of certain tissues.
Composition of the Extracellular Matrix
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is commonly composed of ground substance, a gel-like fluid, fibrous components, and many structurally and functionally diverse...