3D Bioprinting and Artificial Intelligence for Tumor Microenvironment Modeling: A Scoping Review of Models, Methods,...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Cancer Research
• Artificial Intelligence

Background:

• The tumor microenvironment (TME) is crucial for cancer progression and treatment resistance.
• Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting enables the creation of complex, physiologically relevant in vitro tumor models.
• These advanced models overcome limitations of traditional 2D cultures and reduce animal testing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review current research on 3D bioprinting and artificial intelligence (AI) applications in modeling the TME.
• To identify research trends and gaps in the integration of AI and 3D bioprinting for TME modeling across specific cancer types.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was performed in PubMed for publications from January 2020 to June 2025.
• The review followed PRISMA-ScR guidelines, focusing on peer-reviewed original research articles in English.
• Included cancer types were colorectal, oral, breast cancer, and glioma.

Main Results:

• 44 articles were included for TME-specific 3D bioprinting, and 14 for AI applications in 3D bioprinting.
• A significant research gap exists, with only one study explicitly integrating AI and 3D bioprinting for TME modeling.
• Progress is noted in AI-driven bioink development, process optimization, and quality control.

Conclusions:

• The combined application of AI and 3D bioprinting for TME modeling in oncology is currently limited.
• Further interdisciplinary research is essential to harness AI's potential in enhancing TME models for cancer studies.
• AI shows promise in advancing bioink formulation, process control, and quality assessment in 3D bioprinting for cancer research.