Advances in cell-derived extracellular matrix for 3D tumor modelling

Cell-derived decellularized extracellular matrix (cdECM) is being increasingly explored as a supportive biomaterial for bioengineering biomimetic 3D tumor models. The potential to represent the biomolecular diversity of the extracellular matrix in a tumor-specific mode and its production using human cell cultures renders in vitro produced matrix a particularly attractive alternative to non-human counterparts. In this review, we describe well-established and emerging strategies to modulate human ECM production in vitro, as well as showcase recent advances in decellularization and processing methodologies that have been explored across different scales and diverse biological complexities. The incorporation of cdECM into the design stages of bioengineered tumor models and its biological relevance are also discussed considering currently available alternatives to model tumor ECM. Finally, we look at the current challenges in using cdECM-based biomaterials to develop preclinically relevant models and discuss the need for innovative production approaches and methodological developments in downstream processing to widen the use of cell-derived biomaterials for tumor modelling and other applications in the tissue engineering field.