Polyurethane foam scaffold as in vitro model for breast cancer bone metastasis

Modelling bone metastasis in spheroids to study cancer progression and screen cisplatin efficacy

Most bone metastases are caused by primary breast or prostate cancer cells settling in the bone microenvironment, affecting normal bone physiology and function and reducing 5-year survival rates to 10% and 6%, respectively. To expedite clinical availability of novel and effective bone metastases treatments, reliable and predictive in vitro models are urgently required to screen for novel therapies as current in vitro 2D planar mono-culture models do not accurately predict the clinical efficacy. We herein engineered a novel human in vitro 3D co-culture model based on spheroids to study dynamic cellular quantities of (breast or prostate) cancer cells and human bone marrow stromal cells and screen chemotherapeutic efficacy and specificity of the common anticancer drug cisplatin. Bone metastatic spheroids (BMSs) were formed rapidly within 24 h, while the morphology of breast versus prostate cancer BMS differed in terms of size and circularity upon prolonged culture periods. Prestaining cell types prior to BMS formation enabled confocal imaging and quantitative image analysis of in-spheroid cellular dynamics for up to 7 days of BMS culture. We found that cancer cells in BMS proliferated faster and were less susceptible to cisplatin treatment compared to 2D control cultures. Based on these findings and the versatility of our methodology, BMS represent a feasible 3D in vitro model for screening of new bone cancer metastases therapies.

Current Advances in the Use of Tissue Engineering for Cancer Metastasis Therapeutics

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide and results in nearly 10 million deaths each year. The global economic burden of cancer from 2020 to 2050 is estimated to be USD 25.2 trillion. The spread of cancer to distant organs through metastasis is the leading cause of death due to cancer. However, as of today, there is no cure for metastasis. Tissue engineering is a promising field for regenerative medicine that is likely to be able to provide rehabilitation procedures to patients who have undergone surgeries, such as mastectomy and other reconstructive procedures. Another important use of tissue engineering has emerged recently that involves the development of realistic and robust in vitro models of cancer metastasis, to aid in drug discovery and new metastasis therapeutics, as well as evaluate cancer biology at metastasis. This review covers the current studies in developing tissue-engineered metastasis structures. This article reports recent developments in in vitro models for breast, prostate, colon, and pancreatic cancer. The review also identifies challenges and opportunities in the use of tissue engineering toward new, clinically relevant therapies that aim to reduce the cancer burden.

Spatially patterned 3D model mimics key features of cancer metastasis to bone

Bone is the most common target of metastasis in breast cancer and prostate cancer, leading to significant mortality due to lack of effective treatments. The discovery of novel therapies has been hampered by a lack of physiologically relevant in vitro models that can mimic key clinical features of bone metastases. To fill this critical gap, here we report spatially patterned, tissue engineered 3D models of breast cancer and prostate cancer bone metastasis which mimic bone-specific invasion, cancer aggressiveness, cancer-induced dysregulation of bone remodeling, and in vivo drug response. We demonstrate the potential of integrating such 3D models with single-cell RNA sequencing to identify key signaling drivers of cancer metastasis to bone. Together, these results validate that spatially patterned 3D bone metastasis models mimic key clinical features of bone metastasis and can serve as a novel research tool to elucidate bone metastasis biology and expedite drug discovery.

Incorporation/Enrichment of 3D Bioprinted Constructs by Biomimetic Nanoparticles: Tuning Printability and Cell Behavior in Bone Models

Reproducing in vitro a model of the bone microenvironment is a current need. Preclinical in vitro screening, drug discovery, as well as pathophysiology studies may benefit from in vitro three-dimensional (3D) bone models, which permit high-throughput screening, low costs, and high reproducibility, overcoming the limitations of the conventional two-dimensional cell cultures. In order to obtain these models, 3D bioprinting offers new perspectives by allowing a combination of advanced techniques and inks. In this context, we propose the use of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles, assimilated to the mineral component of bone, as a route to tune the printability and the characteristics of the scaffold and to guide cell behavior. To this aim, both stoichiometric and Sr-substituted hydroxyapatite nanocrystals are used, so as to obtain different particle shapes and solubility. Our findings show that the nanoparticles have the desired shape and composition and that they can be embedded in the inks without loss of cell viability. Both Sr-containing and stoichiometric hydroxyapatite crystals permit enhancing the printing fidelity of the scaffolds in a particle-dependent fashion and control the swelling behavior and ion release of the scaffolds. Once Saos-2 cells are encapsulated in the scaffolds, high cell viability is detected until late time points, with a good cellular distribution throughout the material. We also show that even minor modifications in the hydroxyapatite particle characteristics result in a significantly different behavior of the scaffolds. This indicates that the use of calcium phosphate nanocrystals and structural ion-substitution is a promising approach to tune the behavior of 3D bioprinted constructs.

Fabrication and histological evaluation of ant-nest type porous carbonate apatite artificial bone using polyurethane foam as a porogen

The composition of carbonate apatite (CO₃ Ap) aids bone regeneration. Other features, such as porosity and pore interconnectivity of artificial bone, also govern bone regeneration. In general, a trade-off exists between the porosity and mechanical strength of artificial bone. Therefore, this suggests that the interconnected pores in the ant-nest-type porous (ANP) structure of artificial bone accelerate bone regeneration by minimizing the sacrifice of mechanical strength. The unique structure of polyurethane foam has the potential to endow CO₃ Ap with an ANP structure without forming excess pores. This study investigated the efficacy of polyurethane foam as a porogen in providing ANP structure to CO₃ Ap artificial bone. The polyurethane foam was completely decomposed by sintering and the resulting CO₃ Ap displayed ANP structure with a compressive strength of approximately 15 MPa. Furthermore, in vivo experiments revealed that the migration of cells and tissues into the interior of CO₃ Ap through the interconnected pores accelerated bone regeneration in the ANP-structured CO₃ Ap. Thus, this indicates that using polyurethane foam as a porogen endows the CO₃ Ap artificial bone with an ANP structure that accelerates bone regeneration.

Recent Advancements in Polyurethane-based Tissue Engineering

In tissue engineering, polyurethane-based implants have gained significant traction because of their high compatibility and inertness. The implants therefore show fewer side effects and lasts longer. Also, the mechanical properties can be tuned and morphed into a particular shape, owing to which polyurethanes show immense versatility. In the last 3 years, scientists have devised methods to enhance the strength of and induce dynamic properties in polyurethanes, and these developments offer an immense opportunity to use them in tissue engineering. The focus of this review is on applications of polyurethane implants for biomedical application with detailed analysis of hard tissue implants like bone tissues and soft tissues like cartilage, muscles, skeletal tissues, and blood vessels. The synthetic routes for the preparation of scaffolds have been discussed to gain a better understanding of the issues that arise regarding toxicity. The focus here is also on concerns regarding the biocompatibility of the implants, given that the precursors and byproducts are poisonous.

Effect of Different Amine Catalysts on the Thermomechanical and Cytotoxic Properties of 'Visco'-Type Polyurethane Foam for Biomedical Applications

Components for manufacturing polyurethane foams can adversely affect the human body, particularly if they are in contact with it for long periods. In applications where the foam is not placed directly into the body, the study of the product's effects is often neglected. In the case of human skin, distinguishing the increasingly frequent problems of skin atopy, more attention should be paid to this. This paper presents the influence of the different catalytic systems on cytotoxic and thermomechanical properties in polyurethane foams. Among others, foams were produced with the most popular catalysts on the market, DABCO and a metal-organic tin catalyst. The foams were characterized by thermomechanical properties and were subjected to a cytotoxicity test against human keratinocytes. In biocompatibility tests with skin cells, the results were highly variable. VAB 2 with a catalytic system consisting of commercial Diethanolamine and Addocat^®105 performed the best. However, with such a catalytic system, the mechanical properties have worsened.

An Osteosarcoma Model by 3D Printed Polyurethane Scaffold and In Vitro Generated Bone Extracellular Matrix

Simple Summary

Development of new therapeutics to treat osteosarcoma is fundamental to decreasing its current health impact. 3D in vitro models are gaining tremendous momentum as, compared to traditional 2D in vitro models and in vivo models, can speed up new treatment discovery and provide clarification of the pathology development, by ultimately offering a reproducible and biomimetic tool. However, engineering a 3D osteosarcoma in vitro model is challenging, since the reliability of the models strictly depends on their ability to correctly mimic the physical, mechanical, and biological properties of the pathological tissue to be replicated. Here, we designed 3D printed polyurethane scaffolds enriched by in vitro pre-generated bone extracellular matrix, synthesized by osteo-differentiated human mesenchymal stromal cells, to replicate in vitro an osteosarcoma model, which can be potentially used to study tumor progression and to assess new treatments.

Abstract

Osteosarcoma is a primary bone tumor characterized by a dismal prognosis, especially in the case of recurrent disease or metastases. Therefore, tools to understand in-depth osteosarcoma progression and ultimately develop new therapeutics are urgently required. 3D in vitro models can provide an optimal option, as they are highly reproducible, yet sufficiently complex, thus reliable alternatives to 2D in vitro and in vivo models. Here, we describe 3D in vitro osteosarcoma models prepared by printing polyurethane (PU) by fused deposition modeling, further enriched with human mesenchymal stromal cell (hMSC)-secreted biomolecules. We printed scaffolds with different morphologies by changing their design (i.e., the distance between printed filaments and printed patterns) to obtain different pore geometry, size, and distribution. The printed PU scaffolds were stable during in vitro cultures, showed adequate porosity (55–67%) and tunable mechanical properties (Young’s modulus ranging in 0.5–4.0 MPa), and resulted in cytocompatible. We developed the in vitro model by seeding SAOS-2 cells on the optimal PU scaffold (i.e., 0.7 mm inter-filament distance, 60° pattern), by testing different pre-conditioning factors: none, undifferentiated hMSC-secreted, and osteo-differentiated hMSC-secreted extracellular matrix (ECM), which were obtained by cell lysis before SAOS-2 seeding. Scaffolds pre-cultured with osteo-differentiated hMSCs, subsequently lysed, and seeded with SAOS-2 cells showed optimal colonization, thus disclosing a suitable biomimetic microenvironment for osteosarcoma cells, which can be useful both in tumor biology study and, possibly, treatment.

Engineer a pre-metastatic niched microenvironment to attract breast cancer cells by utilizing a 3D printed polycaprolactone/nano-hydroxyapatite osteogenic scaffold - An in vitro model system for proof of concept

Breast cancer bone metastasis is not a random process. It is affected by the local microenvironment which determines the propensity of cancer cells to invade and colonize into the secondary sites. This microenvironment is termed a pre-metastatic niche. With the flexibility to incorporate different biofactors, tissue-engineering scaffolds provide an advantageous environment to promote "designed" osteogenesis that may mimic the bony pre-metastatic niche. In the current study, designed polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds enriched with nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA) were fabricated through three-dimensional (3D) printing. Subsequently, human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) were seeded onto PCL-nHA scaffolds for osteogenic differentiation to establish the pre-metastatic niched microenvironment. Furthermore, transwell migration assay was used to investigate recruitment of MDA-MB-231, MCF-7, and MDA-MB-453 breast cancer cells to the osseous PCL-nHA scaffolds. Our results showed that the mRNA levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), and osteocalcin (OCN) of hMSCs on the PCL-nHA scaffolds were dramatically increased compared those with the PCL scaffolds (control) at day 7, 14, and 28. Meanwhile, the migration analysis showed that the higher maturation of osteogenesis and bone metabolism collectively contributed to the creation of a more favorable niched site for the cancerous invasion. Moreover, one of the hypothesized key mediators for the promoted migration, CXCL12, was confirmed using an assay of antagonist LIT-927. This early study demonstrated that a designed tissue engineering scaffold can be utilized to create a bone-mimicking environment that serves as a novel platform to recapitulate the pre-metastatic niche and help interrogate the scheme of bone metastasis by breast cancer.

3D bioprinted tumor model with extracellular matrix enhanced bioinks for nanoparticle evaluation

The traditional evaluation of nanoparticles (NPs) is mainly based on 2D cell culture and animal models. However, these models are difficult to accurately represent human tumor microenvironment (TME) and fail to systematically study the complex transportation of NPs, thus limiting the translation of nano-drug formulations to clinical studies. This study reports a tumor model fabricated via 3D bioprinting with decellularized extracellular matrix (adECM) enhanced hybrid bioink. Compared with 2D cultured cells, the 3D printed tumor models with multicellular spheroids formation are closer to real tumor in protein, gene expression and tumorigenicity both in vitro and in vivo. Two characteristics of TME, ECM remodeling and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), are tracked simultaneously under 3D conditions. Furthermore, the cellular uptake efficiency of two different NPs is significantly lower in the printed 3D tumor model than the 2D individual cells, and higher drug resistance is observed in 3D group, which suggest the ECM barrier of tumor can significantly affect the permeability of NPs. These results suggest that this 3D printed tumor model is capable of mimicking the multiple TME, potentially providing a more accurate platform for the design and development of NPs before moving into animal and clinical trials.

3D Biofabricated In Vitro Models of Vascularized and Mineralized Bone Tissues

This protocol describes a comprehensive practical guide for the biofabrication of 3D in vitro models of vascularized and mineralized bone Minitissues. These models give the possibility to study the contribution of physical and biochemical parameters on bone vascularization, as well as the osteoblast/osteoclast mediated matrix remodeling. Based on the specific pathophysiological processes to be investigated, the 3D bone Minitissues allow to select the most suitable cell composition, by coculturing up to four cell types, and to customize the material properties of the hydrogel matrix. Considering their versatility, these 3D bone Minitissues could be relevant for the recapitulation of bone pathologies such as bone tumors and metastases and could be and used as screening platforms to test antimetastatic drugs.

A novel multifunctional bilayer scaffold based on chitosan nanofiber/alginate-gelatin methacrylate hydrogel for full-thickness wound healing

Due to their lack of multifunctionality, the majority of traditional wound dressings do not support all the clinical requirements. Bilayer wound dressings with multifunctional properties can be attractive for effective skin regeneration. In the present study, we designed a multifunctional bilayer scaffold containing Chitosan-Polycaprolactone (PC) nanofiber and tannic acid (TA) reinforced methacrylate gelatin (GM)/alginate (Al) hydrogel (GM/Al/TA). PC nanofibers were coated with GM/Al/TA hydrogel to obtain a bilayer nanocomposite scaffold (Bi-TA). The GM/Al/TA hydrogel layer of Bi-TA showed antibacterial, free radical scavenging, and biocompatibility properties. Also, PC nanofiber acted as a barrier for preventing bacterial invasion and moisture loss of the hydrogel layer. The wound healing performance of the Bi-TA scaffold was investigated via a full-thickness wound model. In addition, the histopathological and immunohistochemical (IHC) stainings of transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were assessed. The results indicated an enhanced wound closure rate, effective collagen deposition, quick re-epithelialization, more skin appendages, and replacement of defect area with normal skin tissue by Bi-TA scaffold compared to other groups. Additionally, the regulation of TGF-β1 and TNF-α was observed by Bi-TA dressing. Overall, the Bi-TA with appropriate structural and multifunctional properties can be an excellent candidate for developing effective dressings for wound healing applications.

Breast Cancer Cells Metastasize to the Tissue-Engineered Premetastatic Niche by Using an Osteoid-Formed Polycaprolactone/Nanohydroxyapatite Scaffold

It has been deemed that the premetastatic niche (PMN) plays a critical role in facilitating bone metastasis of breast cancer cells. Tissue engineering scaffolds provide an advantageous environment to promote osteogenesis that may mimic the bony premetastatic niches (BPMNs). In this study, human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) were seeded onto designed polycaprolactone/nanohydroxyapatite (PCL-nHA) scaffolds for osteogenic differentiation. Subsequently, a coculture system was used to establish the tissue-engineered BPMNs by culturing breast cancer cells, hMSCs, and osteoid-formed PCL-nHA scaffolds. Afterwards, a migration assay was used to investigate the recruitment of MDA-MB-231, MCF-7, and MDA-MB-453 cells to the BPMNs' supernatants. The cancer stem cell (CSC) properties of these migrated cells were investigated by flow cytometry. Our results showed that the mRNA expression levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Osterix, runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), and collagen type I alpha 1 (COL1A1) on the PCL-nHA scaffolds were dramatically increased compared to the PCL scaffolds on days 11, 18, and 32. The expression of CXCL12 in these BPMNs was increased gradually over coculturing time, and it may be a feasible marker for BPMNs. Furthermore, migration analysis results showed that the higher maturation of BPMNs collectively contributed to the creation of a more favorable niched site for the cancerous invasion. The subpopulation of breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) was more likely to migrate to fertile BPMNs. The proportion of BCSCs in metastatic MDA-MB-231, MCF-7, and MDA-MB-453 cells were increased by approximately 63.47%, 149.48%, and 127.60%. The current study demonstrated that a designed tissue engineering scaffold can provide a novel method to create a bone-mimicking environment that serves as a useable platform to recapitulate the BPMNs and help interrogate the scheme of bone metastasis by breast cancer.

Influences of the 3D microenvironment on cancer cell behaviour and treatment responsiveness: A recent update on lung, breast and prostate cancer models

The majority of in vitro studies assessing cancer treatments are performed in two-dimensional (2D) monolayers and are subsequently validated in in vivo animal models. However, 2D models fail to accurately model the tumour microenvironment. Furthermore, animal models are not directly applicable to mimic the human scenario. Three-dimensional (3D) culture models may help to address the discrepancies of 2D and animal models. When cancer cells escape the primary tumour, they can invade at distant organs building secondary tumours, called metastasis. The development of metastasis leads to a dramatic decrease in the life expectancy of patients. Therefore, 3D systems to model the microenvironment of metastasis have also been developed. Several studies have demonstrated changes in cell behaviour and gene expression when cells are cultured in 3D compared to 2D and concluded a better comparability to cells in vivo. Of special importance is the effect seen in response to anti-cancer treatments as models are built primarily to serve as drug-testing platforms. This review highlights these changes between cancer cells grown in 2D and 3D models for some of the most common cancers including lung, breast and prostate tumours. In addition to models aiming to mimic the primary tumour site, the effects of 3D cell culturing in bone metastasis models are also described. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Most in vitro studies in cancer research are performed in 2D and are subsequently validated in in vivo animal models. However, both models possess numerous limitations: 2D models fail to accurately model the tumour microenvironment while animal models are expensive, time-consuming and can differ considerably from humans. It is accepted that the cancer microenvironment plays a critical role in the disease, thus, 3D models have been proposed as a potential solution to address the discrepancies of 2D and animal models. This review highlights changes in cell behaviour, including proliferation, gene expression and chemosensitivity, between cancer cells grown in 2D and 3D models for some of the most common cancers including lung, breast and prostate cancer as well as bone metastasis.

Engineering strategies to capture the biological and biophysical tumor microenvironment in vitro

Despite decades of research and advancements in diagnostic and treatment modalities, cancer remains a major global healthcare challenge. This is due in part to a lack of model systems that allow investigating the mechanisms underlying tumor development, progression, and therapy resistance under relevant conditions in vitro. Tumor cell interactions with their surroundings influence all stages of tumorigenesis and are shaped by both biological and biophysical cues including cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions, tissue architecture and mechanics, and mass transport. Engineered tumor models provide promising platforms to elucidate the individual and combined contributions of these cues to tumor malignancy under controlled and physiologically relevant conditions. This review will summarize current knowledge of the biological and biophysical microenvironmental cues that influence tumor development and progression, present examples of in vitro model systems that are presently used to study these interactions and highlight advancements in tumor engineering approaches to further improve these technologies.

3D Printing and Bioprinting to Model Bone Cancer: The Role of Materials and Nanoscale Cues in Directing Cell Behavior

Bone cancer, both primary and metastatic, is characterized by a low survival rate. Currently, available models lack in mimicking the complexity of bone, of cancer, and of their microenvironment, leading to poor predictivity. Three-dimensional technologies can help address this need, by developing predictive models that can recapitulate the conditions for cancer development and progression. Among the existing tools to obtain suitable 3D models of bone cancer, 3D printing and bioprinting appear very promising, as they enable combining cells, biomolecules, and biomaterials into organized and complex structures that can reproduce the main characteristic of bone. The challenge is to recapitulate a bone-like microenvironment for analysis of stromal-cancer cell interactions and biological mechanics leading to tumor progression. In this review, existing approaches to obtain in vitro 3D-printed and -bioprinted bone models are discussed, with a focus on the role of biomaterials selection in determining the behavior of the models and its degree of customization. To obtain a reliable 3D bone model, the evaluation of different polymeric matrices and the inclusion of ceramic fillers is of paramount importance, as they help reproduce the behavior of both normal and cancer cells in the bone microenvironment. Open challenges and future perspectives are discussed to solve existing shortcomings and to pave the way for potential development strategies.

Meet me halfway: Are in vitro 3D cancer models on the way to replace in vivo models for nanomedicine development?

The complexity and diversity of the biochemical processes that occur during tumorigenesis and metastasis are frequently over-simplified in the traditional in vitro cell cultures. Two-dimensional cultures limit researchers' experimental observations and frequently give rise to misleading and contradictory results. Therefore, in order to overcome the limitations of in vitro studies and bridge the translational gap to in vivo applications, 3D models of cancer were developed in the last decades. The three dimensions of the tumor, including its cellular and extracellular microenvironment, are recreated by combining co-cultures of cancer and stromal cells in 3D hydrogel-based growth factors-inclusive scaffolds. More complex 3D cultures, containing functional blood vasculature, can integrate in the system external stimuli (e.g. oxygen and nutrient deprivation, cytokines, growth factors) along with drugs, or other therapeutic compounds. In this scenario, cell signaling pathways, metastatic cascade steps, cell differentiation and self-renewal, tumor-microenvironment interactions, and precision and personalized medicine, are among the wide range of biological applications that can be studied. Here, we discuss a broad variety of strategies exploited by scientists to create in vitro 3D cancer models that resemble as much as possible the biology and patho-physiology of in vivo tumors and predict faithfully the treatment outcome.

Principles for Controlling the Shape Recovery and Degradation Behavior of Biodegradable Shape-Memory Polymers in Biomedical Applications

Polymers with the shape memory effect possess tremendous potential for application in diverse fields, including aerospace, textiles, robotics, and biomedicine, because of their mechanical properties (softness and flexibility) and chemical tunability. Biodegradable shape memory polymers (BSMPs) have unique benefits of long-term biocompatibility and formation of zero-waste byproducts as the final degradable products are resorbed or absorbed via metabolism or enzyme digestion processes. In addition to their application toward the prevention of biofilm formation or internal tissue damage caused by permanent implant materials and the subsequent need for secondary surgery, which causes secondary infections and complications, BSMPs have been highlighted for minimally invasive medical applications. The properties of BSMPs, including high tunability, thermomechanical properties, shape memory performance, and degradation rate, can be achieved by controlling the combination and content of the comonomer and crystallinity. In addition, the biodegradable chemistry and kinetics of BSMPs, which can be controlled by combining several biodegradable polymers with different hydrolysis chemistry products, such as anhydrides, esters, and carbonates, strongly affect the hydrolytic activity and erosion property. A wide range of applications including self-expending stents, wound closure, drug release systems, and tissue repair, suggests that the BSMPs can be applied as actuators on the basis of their shape recovery and degradation ability.

Biobased polyurethanes for biomedical applications

Polyurethanes (PUs) are a major family of polymers displaying a wide spectrum of physico-chemical, mechanical and structural properties for a large range of fields. They have shown suitable for biomedical applications and are used in this domain since decades. The current variety of biomass available has extended the diversity of starting materials for the elaboration of new biobased macromolecular architectures, allowing the development of biobased PUs with advanced properties such as controlled biotic and abiotic degradation. In this frame, new tunable biomedical devices have been successfully designed. PU structures with precise tissue biomimicking can be obtained and are adequate for adhesion, proliferation and differentiation of many cell's types. Moreover, new smart shape-memory PUs with adjustable shape-recovery properties have demonstrated promising results for biomedical applications such as wound healing. The fossil-based starting materials substitution for biomedical implants is slowly improving, nonetheless better renewable contents need to be achieved for most PUs to obtain biobased certifications. After a presentation of some PU generalities and an understanding of a biomaterial structure-biocompatibility relationship, recent developments of biobased PUs for non-implantable devices as well as short- and long-term implants are described in detail in this review and compared to more conventional PU structures.

Proteinaceous Hydrogels for Bioengineering Advanced 3D Tumor Models

The establishment of tumor microenvironment using biomimetic in vitro models that recapitulate key tumor hallmarks including the tumor supporting extracellular matrix (ECM) is in high demand for accelerating the discovery and preclinical validation of more effective anticancer therapeutics. To date, ECM-mimetic hydrogels have been widely explored for 3D in vitro disease modeling owing to their bioactive properties that can be further adapted to the biochemical and biophysical properties of native tumors. Gathering on this momentum, herein the current landscape of intrinsically bioactive protein and peptide hydrogels that have been employed for 3D tumor modeling are discussed. Initially, the importance of recreating such microenvironment and the main considerations for generating ECM-mimetic 3D hydrogel in vitro tumor models are showcased. A comprehensive discussion focusing protein, peptide, or hybrid ECM-mimetic platforms employed for modeling cancer cells/stroma cross-talk and for the preclinical evaluation of candidate anticancer therapies is also provided. Further development of tumor-tunable, proteinaceous or peptide 3D microtesting platforms with microenvironment-specific biophysical and biomolecular cues will contribute to better mimic the in vivo scenario, and improve the predictability of preclinical screening of generalized or personalized therapeutics.

Printing the Pathway Forward in Bone Metastatic Cancer Research: Applications of 3D Engineered Models and Bioprinted Scaffolds to Recapitulate the Bone-Tumor Niche

Breast cancer commonly metastasizes to bone, resulting in osteolytic lesions and poor patient quality of life. The bone extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a critical role in cancer cell metastasis by means of the physical and biochemical cues it provides to support cellular crosstalk. Current two-dimensional in-vitro models lack the spatial and biochemical complexities of the native ECM and do not fully recapitulate crosstalk that occurs between the tumor and endogenous stromal cells. Engineered models such as bone-on-a-chip, extramedullary bone, and bioreactors are presently used to model cellular crosstalk and bone-tumor cell interactions, but fall short of providing a bone-biomimetic microenvironment. Three-dimensional bioprinting allows for the deposition of biocompatible materials and living cells in complex architectures, as well as provides a means to better replicate biological tissue niches in-vitro. In cancer research specifically, 3D constructs have been instrumental in seminal work modeling cancer cell dissemination to bone and bone-tumor cell crosstalk in the skeleton. Furthermore, the use of biocompatible materials, such as hydroxyapatite, allows for printing of bone-like microenvironments with the ability to be implanted and studied in in-vivo animal models. Moreover, the use of bioprinted models could drive the development of novel cancer therapies and drug delivery vehicles.

Mechanobiological evaluation of prostate cancer metastasis to bone using an in vitro prostate cancer testbed

Prostate cancer exhibits a propensity to metastasize to the bone, which often leads to fatality. Bone metastasis is characterized by complex biochemical, morphological, pathophysiological, and genetic changes to cancer cells as they colonize at bone sites. In this study, we report the evaluation of MDA PCa2b prostate cancer cells' nanomechanical properties during the mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET) and during disease progression at the metastatic site. Bone-mimetic tissue-engineered 3D nanoclay scaffolds have been used to create in vitro metastatic site for prostate cancer. A significant softening of the prostate cancer cells during MET and further softening as disease progression occurs at metastasis is also reported. The significant reduction in elastic modulus of prostate cancer cells during MET was attributed to actin reorganization and depolymerization. This study provides input towards direct nanomechanical measurements to evaluate the time evolution of cells' mechanical behavior in tumors at bone metastasis site.

In Vitro Modeling of Non-Solid Tumors: How Far Can Tissue Engineering Go?

In hematological malignancies, leukemias or myelomas, malignant cells present bone marrow (BM) homing, in which the niche contributes to tumor development and drug resistance. BM architecture, cellular and molecular composition and interactions define differential microenvironments that govern cell fate under physiological and pathological conditions and serve as a reference for the native biological landscape to be replicated in engineered platforms attempting to reproduce blood cancer behavior. This review summarizes the different models used to efficiently reproduce certain aspects of BM in vitro; however, they still lack the complexity of this tissue, which is relevant for fundamental aspects such as drug resistance development in multiple myeloma. Extracellular matrix composition, material topography, vascularization, cellular composition or stemness vs. differentiation balance are discussed as variables that could be rationally defined in tissue engineering approaches for achieving more relevant in vitro models. Fully humanized platforms closely resembling natural interactions still remain challenging and the question of to what extent accurate tissue complexity reproduction is essential to reliably predict drug responses is controversial. However, the contributions of these approaches to the fundamental knowledge of non-solid tumor biology, its regulation by niches, and the advance of personalized medicine are unquestionable.

Tissue engineering applications in breast cancer

In Iran, breast cancer (BC) is the most prevalent cancer among women. The standard treatment for this cancer is partial or total removal of breast tissue, followed by chemotherapy and radiation. Tissue engineering (TE) has made new treatments for tissue loss in these patients by creating functional substitutes in the laboratory. In addition, cancer biology combined with TE provides a new strategy for evaluation of anti-BC therapy. Several innovations in TE have led to the design of scaffold or matrix based culture systems that more closely mimic the native extracellular matrix (ECM). Currently, engineered three-dimensional (3D) cultures are being developed for modelling of the tumour microenvironment. These 3D cultures fulfil the need for in vitro approaches that allow an accurate study of the molecular mechanisms and a better analysis of the drugs effect. In the present study, we review recent developments in utilising of TE in BC. Moreover, this review describes achievements of Iranian researchers in the field of breast TE.

Dynamic Culture Systems and 3D Interfaces Models for Cancer Drugs Testing

The mass use of biological agents for pharmaceutical purposes started with the development and distribution of vaccines, followed by the industrial production of antibiotics. The use of dynamic systems, such as bioreactors, had been already applied in the food industry in fermentation processes and started being used for the development of pharmaceutical agents from this point on. In the last decades, the use of bioreactors and microfluidic systems has been expanded in different fields. The emergence of the tissue engineering led to the development of in vitro models cultured in dynamic systems. This is particularly relevant considering the urgent reduction of the total dependence on animal disease models that is undermining the development of novel drugs, using alternatively human-based models to make the drug discovery process more reliable. The failure out coming from animal models has been more prevalent in certain types of cancer, such as glioblastoma multiform and in high-grade metastatic cancers like bone metastasis of breast or prostatic cancer. The difficulty in obtaining novel drugs for these purposes is mostly linked to the barriers around the tumors, which these bioactive molecules have to overcome to become effective. For that reason, the individualized study of each interface is paramount and is only realistic once applying human-based samples (e.g. cells or tissues) in three-dimensions for in vitro modeling under dynamic conditions. In this chapter, the most recent approaches to model these interfaces in 3D systems will be explored, highlighting their major contributions to the field. In this section, these systems' impact on increased knowledge in relevant aspects of cancer aggressiveness as invasive or motile cellular capacity, or even resistance to chemotherapeutic agents will have particular focus. The last section of this chapter will focus on the integration of the tumor interfaces in dynamic systems, particularly its application on high-throughput drug screening. The industrial translation of such platforms will be discussed, as well as the main upcoming challenges and future perspectives.

Studies of proliferation and chondrogenic differentiation of rat adipose stem cells using an anti-oxidative polyurethane scaffold combined with cyclic compression culture

The adipose stem cell is a potential candidate for the autologous chondrocytes repairing approach because of the abundance of fat in the animal body and its versatile differentiation capability. In this study, rat adipose stem cells (rASCs) were seeded into anti-oxidative N-acetylcysteine (NAC) grafted polyurethane (PU) scaffold and then combined with short dynamic compressive stimulation (24 h) to induce rASCs chondrogenesis differentiation in vitro. The inner pore surface of the PU scaffold was first modified via alginate and type I collagen to promote rASCs adherence. The modified layers crosslinked by genipin showed outstanding stability after ultrasonic treatment, indicating the modified layers were stable and can keep the cells adhesion well during dynamic compressive stimulation. After inner pore surface modification and 10 mM NAC grafting, the PU scaffold-A-C-G (graft 10 mM NAC) has shown the best proliferation efficiency with homogeneous cell distribution after 72hr static culture. After short term dynamic compressive stimulation, significant gene expression in chondrogenic markers, Sox-9, and Aggrecan, were noted in both PU scaffold-A-C-G and PU scaffold-A-C-G (graft 10 mM NAC). Considering the cell proliferation efficiency and gene expression, the anti-oxidative NAC grafted PU scaffold combined with short term dynamic compressive stimulation could be useful for cell culturing in stem cell therapy.

Breast cancer models: Engineering the tumor microenvironment

The mechanisms behind cancer initiation and progression are not clear. Therefore, development of clinically relevant models to study cancer biology and drug response in tumors is essential. In vivo models are very valuable tools for studying cancer biology and for testing drugs; however, they often suffer from not accurately representing the clinical scenario because they lack either human cells or a functional immune system. On the other hand, two-dimensional (2D) in vitro models lack the three-dimensional (3D) network of cells and extracellular matrix (ECM) and thus do not represent the tumor microenvironment (TME). As an alternative approach, 3D models have started to gain more attention, as such models offer a platform with the ability to study cell-cell and cell-material interactions parametrically, and possibly include all the components present in the TME. Here, we first give an overview of the breast cancer TME, and then discuss the current state of the pre-clinical breast cancer models, with a focus on the engineered 3D tissue models. We also highlight two engineering approaches that we think are promising in constructing models representative of human tumors: 3D printing and microfluidics. In addition to giving basic information about the TME in the breast tissue, this review article presents the state-of-the-art tissue engineered breast cancer models. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Involvement of biomaterials and tissue engineering fields in cancer research enables realistic mimicry of the cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions in the tumor microenvironment (TME), and thus creation of better models that reflect the tumor response against drugs. Engineering the 3D in vitro models also requires a good understanding of the TME. Here, an overview of the breast cancer TME is given, and the current state of the pre-clinical breast cancer models, with a focus on the engineered 3D tissue models is discussed. This review article is useful not only for biomaterials scientists aiming to engineer 3D in vitro TME models, but also for cancer researchers willing to use these models for studying cancer biology and drug testing.

Decellularised scaffolds: just a framework? Current knowledge and future directions

The use of decellularised matrices as scaffolds offers the advantage of great similarity with the tissue to be replaced. Moreover, decellularised tissues and organs can be repopulated with the patient's own cells to produce bespoke therapies. Great progress has been made in research and development of decellularised scaffolds, and more recently, these materials are being used in exciting new areas like hydrogels and bioinks. However, much effort is still needed towards preserving the original extracellular matrix composition, especially its minor components, assessing its functionality and scaling up for large tissues and organs. Emphasis should also be placed on developing new decellularisation methods and establishing minimal criteria for assessing the success of the decellularisation process. The aim of this review is to critically review the existing literature on decellularised scaffolds, especially on the preparation of these matrices, and point out areas for improvement, finishing with alternative uses of decellularised scaffolds other than tissue and organ reconstruction. Such uses include three-dimensional ex vivo platforms for idiopathic diseases and cancer modelling.

Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway Regulates Osteogenesis for Breast Cancer Bone Metastasis: Experiments in an In Vitro Nanoclay Scaffold Cancer Testbed

Breast cancer shows a high affinity toward bone, causing bone-related complications, leading to a poor clinical prognosis. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway has been well-documented for the bone regenerative process; however, the regulation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in breast cancer bone metastasis is poorly explored. Here, we report that the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway has a significant effect on osteogenesis during breast cancer bone metastasis. In this study, we have created a 3D in vitro breast cancer bone metastatic microenvironment using nanoclay-based scaffolds along with osteogenically differentiated human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and human breast cancer cells (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231). The results showed upregulation in expressions of Wnt-related factors (Wnt-5a, β-catenin, AXIN2, and LRP5) in sequential cultures of MSCs with MCF-7 as compared to sequential cultures of MSCs with MDA-MB-231. Sequential cultures of MSCs with MCF-7 also showed higher β-catenin expression on the protein levels than sequential cultures of MSCs with MDA-MB-231. Stimulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in sequential cultures of MSCs with MCF-7 by ET-1 resulted in increased bone formation, whereas inactivation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling by DKK-1 displayed a significant decrease in bone formation, mimicking bone lesions in breast cancer patients. These data collectively demonstrate that Wnt/β-catenin signaling governs osteogenesis within the tumor-harboring bone microenvironment, leading to bone metastasis. The nanoclay scaffold provides a unique testbed approach for analysis of the pathways of cancer metastasis.

Tissue-engineered 3D models for elucidating primary and metastatic bone cancer progression

Malignant bone tumors are aggressive neoplasms which arise from bone tissue or as a result of metastasis. The most prevalent types of cancer, such as breast, prostate, and lung cancer, all preferentially metastasize to bone, yet the role of the bone niche in promoting cancer progression remains poorly understood. Tissue engineering has the potential to bridge this knowledge gap by providing 3D in vitro systems that can be specifically designed to mimic key properties of the bone niche in a more physiologically relevant context than standard 2D culture. Elucidating the crucial components of the bone niche that recruit metastatic cells, support tumor growth, and promote cancer-induced destruction of bone tissue would support efforts for preventing and treating these devastating malignancies. In this review, we summarize recent efforts focused on developing in vitro 3D models of primary bone cancer and bone metastasis using tissue engineering approaches. Such 3D in vitro models can enable the identification of effective therapeutic targets and facilitate high-throughput drug screening to effectively treat bone cancers. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Biomaterials-based 3D culture have been traditionally used for tissue regeneration. Recent research harnessed biomaterials to create 3D in vitro cancer models, with demonstrated advantages over conventional 2D culture in recapitulating tumor progression and drug response in vivo. However, previous work has been largely limited to modeling soft tissue cancer, such as breast cancer and brain cancer. Unlike soft tissues, bone is characterized with high stiffness and mineral content. Primary bone cancer affects mostly children with poor treatment outcomes, and bone is the most common site of cancer metastasis. Here we summarize emerging efforts on engineering 3D bone cancer models using tissue engineering approaches, and future directions needed to further advance this relatively new research area.

Expressiveness of Bone Markers in Breast Cancer with Bone Metastases

INTRODUCTION

On a global scale, the malignant growth of mammary gland is the most common type of cancer in women. In the progress of mammary carcinoma, osseous metastatic invasion has a pivotal significance because it is a frequent complication occurring at an early stage of the disease.

BACKGROUND

Bone metastases in breast cancer patients lead to increased mortality and decreased health-related quality of life. Therefore, early diagnostic assessment and treatment is requested. Meanwhile the progress of the disease should be monitored closely. Regarding health-related quality of life and lifetime prolongation, osseous metastases should be early diagnosed, therapied, and monitored. Up to date the gold standard is the whole-body scintigraphy. This kind of bone imaging features has high sensitivity but shows loss of specificity.

AIM

This study aims to investigate the diagnostic versatility of bone markers in its resorption and formation function to detect bone metastases in patients with breast cancer.

PATIENTS, MATERIALS, AND METHODS

For this purpose, the concentration of competing bone processing tumor markers in serums of 78 patients was detected and analyzed. Two groups of women with mammary carcinoma with and without osseous metastases were built to examine the presence (or absence) of statistically significant disparity of tumor marker concentration. The tumor markers employed in this study were the carboxyterminal collagen type I telopeptid (CTX), known as beta-crosslaps (β-CTx), the alkaline phosphatase (AP), and its isoenzymes (especially the bone-specific AP [B-AP]). Additionally, the tumor markers for breast cancer (CA 15-3 and CEA) were analyzed in both groups.

RESULTS

Our results provide evidence that in both groups, tumor markers such as β-CTx and B-AP were a promising tool for the detection and exclusion of bone metastases in breast cancer. This comprehensive investigation shows both β-CTx and B-AP are able to fulfill the conditions of a competent appliance to detect osseous metastases of patients with mammary carcinoma.

CONCLUSION

Concerning the urgency of early and frequent detection, staging, and disease monitoring of mammary carcinoma with osseous metastases, this study renewed and underlined the importance of biochemical tumor markers - especially β-CTx and B-AP - and laid a clinical-based cornerstone to build up on a prospective research.

Review on biofabrication and applications of heterogeneous tumor models

Resolving the origin and development of tumor heterogeneity has proven to be a crucial challenge in cancer research. In vitro tumor models have been widely used for both scientific and clinical research. Currently, tumor models based on 2D cell culture, animal models, and 3D cell-laden constructs are widely used. Heterogeneous tumor models, which consist of more than one cell type and mimic cell-cell as well as cell-matrix interactions, are attracting increasing attention. Heterogeneous tumor models can serve as pathological models to study the microenvironment and tumor development such as tumorigenesis, invasiveness, and malignancy. They also provide disease models for drug screening and personalized therapy. In this review, the current techniques, models, and oncological applications regarding 3D heterogeneous tumor models are summarized and discussed.

Tendon Tissue Engineering: Effects of Mechanical and Biochemical Stimulation on Stem Cell Alignment on Cell-Laden Hydrogel Yarns

Fiber-based approaches hold great promise for tendon tissue engineering enabling the possibility of manufacturing aligned hydrogel filaments that can guide collagen fiber orientation, thereby providing a biomimetic micro-environment for cell attachment, orientation, migration, and proliferation. In this study, a 3D system composed of cell-laden, highly aligned hydrogel yarns is designed and obtained via wet spinning in order to reproduce the morphology and structure of tendon fascicles. A bioink composed of alginate and gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) is optimized for spinning and loaded with human bone morrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBM-MSCs). The produced scaffolds are subjected to mechanical stretching to recapitulate the strains occurring in native tendon tissue. Stem cell differentiation is promoted by addition of bone morphogenetic protein 12 (BMP-12) in the culture medium. The aligned orientation of the fibers combined with mechanical stimulation results in highly preferential longitudinal cell orientation and demonstrates enhanced collagen type I and III expression. Additionally, the combination of biochemical and mechanical stimulations promotes the expression of specific tenogenic markers, signatures of efficient cell differentiation towards tendon. The obtained results suggest that the proposed 3D cell-laden aligned system can be used for engineering of scaffolds for tendon regeneration.

Tissue-mimicking gelatin scaffolds by alginate sacrificial templates for adipose tissue engineering

When adipose tissue (AT) is impaired by trauma or disease, AT engineering could provide a shelf-ready structural and functional restoration as alternative to current clinical treatments, which mainly aim at aesthetic replacement. Yet, the lack of an efficient vascular network within the scaffolds represents a major limitation to their translation application in patients. Here, we propose the use of microstructured crosslinked gelatin hydrogels with an embedded prevascular channel as scaffolding materials for AT engineering. The scaffolds are fabricated using - simultaneously - alginate-based microbeads and 3D printed filaments as sacrificial material encapsulated in gelatin at the point of material fabrication and removed post-crosslinking. This method yields the formation of microstructures that resemble the micro-architecture of physiological human fat tissue and of microvessels that can facilitate vascularization through anastomosis with patients' own blood vessels. The cytocompatible method used to prepare the gelatin scaffolds showed structural stability over time while allowing for cell infiltration and protease-based remodeling/degradation. Scaffolds' mechanical properties were also designed to mimic the one of natural breast adipose tissue, a key parameter for AT regeneration. Scaffold's embedded channel (∅ = 300-400 µm) allowed for cell infiltration and enabled blood flow in vitro when an anastomosis with a rat blood artery was performed using surgical glue. In vitro tests with human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) showed colonization of the porous structure of the gelatin hydrogels, differentiation into adipocytes and accumulation of lipid droplets, as shown by Oil Red O staining. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The potential clinical use of scaffolds for adipose tissue (AT) regeneration is currently limited by an unmet simultaneous achievement of adequate structural/morphological properties together with a promoted scaffold vascularization. Sacrificial materials, currently used either to obtain a tissue-mimicking structure or hollow channels to promote scaffold' vascularization, are powerful versatile tools for the fabrication of scaffolds with desired features. However, an integrated approach by means of sacrificial templates aiming at simultaneously achieving an adequate AT-mimicking structure and hollow channels for vascularization is missing. Here, we prove the suitability of crosslinked gelatin scaffolds obtained by using sacrificial alginate microbeads and 3D printed strands to achieve proper features and hollow channels useful for scaffolds vascularization.

Development of biomimetic trilayer fibrous membranes for guided bone regeneration

in order to build fibrous bone tissue scaffolds for guided bone regeneration and to mimic the trilayer structure and the multifunctional properties of the natural periosteum, we fabricated two fibrous trilayer membranes by conjugate electrospinning technology, in which poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) fiber was designed as an outer layer, the mixed fibers of PCL and polyurethane (co-PUPCL) as the interlayer, and degradable polyurethane fibers with or without nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HA) as the inner layer (PUHA or PU). The microstructure and characteristics of the trilayer membranes were evaluated and different monolayer fibers were fabricated as the contrast samples. The tensile strength values of each layer increased from the inner layer to the outer layer in the designed structure, while the step-by-step electrospinning method produced good adhesion of different layers. Furthermore, the degradable properties and hydrophilicity of the layers changed with dissymmetric fibrous structures. Cell proliferation assay and cell morphology observation indicated that the PUHA inner fibrous layer exhibited better cell attachment and proliferation than PU. In addition, the osteogenicity of the PUHA fibrous layer has been attested through protein expression by the differentiation of rat mesenchymal stem cells (rMSCs) into the osteogenic lineage. Cell infiltration testing on the two sides of the trilayer membranes in vitro and in vivo showed that the inner layer had good cellular penetration deep into the scaffolds, whereas the cells were barred by the outer layer. We have developed a trilayer structured membrane with different polymer fibers to replicate the natural periosteum by improving functional outcomes, which is a promising fibrous scaffold for clinical use in the repair of destroyed bone.

Tissue-engineered nanoclay-based 3D in vitro breast cancer model for studying breast cancer metastasis to bone

Breast cancer (BrCa) preferentially spreads to bone and colonises within the bone marrow to cause bone metastases. To improve the outcome of patients with BrCa bone metastasis, we need to understand better the mechanisms underlying bone metastasis. Researchers have relied heavily upon in vivo xenografts due to limited availability of human bone metastasis samples. A significant limitation of these is that they do not have a human bone microenvironment. To address this issue, we have developed a nanoclay-based 3D in vitro model of BrCa bone metastasis using human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and human BrCa cells mimicking late stage of BrCa pathogenesis at the metastatic site. This 3D model can provide a microenvironment suitable for cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions whilst retaining the behaviour of BrCa cells with different metastasis potential (i.e., highly metastatic MDA-MB-231 and low metastatic MCF-7) as shown by the production of alkaline phosphatase and matrix metalloproteinase-9. The sequential culture of MSCs with MCF-7 exhibited 3D tumouroids formation and also occurrence of mesenchymal to epithelial transition of cancer metastasis as evidenced by gene expression and immunocytochemistry. The unique and distinct behaviour of highly metastatic MDA-MB-231 and the low metastatic MCF-7 was observed at the bone metastasis site. The changes to migratory capabilities and invasiveness in MDA-MB-231 in comparison with tumour growth with MCF-7 was observed. Together, a novel bone-mimetic 3D in vitro BrCa model has been developed that could be used to study mechanisms governing the later stage of cancer pathogenesis in bone.

Chemoradiotherapy screening in a novel biomimetic polymer based pancreatic cancer model

Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a deadly and aggressive disease with a very low survival rate. This is partly due to the resistance of the disease to currently available treatment options. Herein, we report for the first time the use of a novel polyurethane scaffold based PDAC model for screening the short and relatively long term (1 and 17 days post-treatment) responses of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and their combination. We show a dose dependent cell viability reduction and apoptosis induction for both chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Furthermore, we observe a change in the impact of the treatment depending on the time-frame, especially for radiation for which the PDAC scaffolds showed resistance after 1 day but responded more 17 days post-treatment. This is the first study to report a viable PDAC culture in a scaffold for more than 2 months and the first to perform long-term (17 days) post-treatment observations in vitro. This is particularly important as a longer time-frame is much closer to animal studies and to patient treatment regimes, highlighting that our scaffold system has great potential to be used as an animal free model for screening of PDAC.

Poly-urethane scaffold based 3D pancreatic cancer model enables realistic long term chemotherapy and radiotherapy screening. This model can be used for personalised treatment screening.

Photooxidatively crosslinked acellular tumor extracellular matrices as potential tumor engineering scaffolds

Acellular tumor extracellular matrices (ECMs) have limitations when employed as three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds for tumor engineering. In this work, methylene blue-mediated photooxidation was used to crosslink acellular tumor ECMs. Photooxidative crosslinking greatly increased the stiffness of acellular tumor ECM scaffolds but barely altered the Amide III band of the secondary structure of polypeptides and proteins. MCF-7, HepG2 and A549 cells cultured on photooxidatively crosslinked acellular tumor ECM scaffolds exhibited greater cell number per scaffold, more IL-8 and VEGF secretion, and increase migration and invasion abilities than cells cultured on uncrosslinked acellular tumor ECM scaffolds. The three tumor cell lines cultured on the stiffer photooxidatively crosslinked acellular matrices acquire mesenchymal properties (mesenchymal shift) and dedifferentiated phenotypes. Furthermore, the malignant phenotypes induced in vitro when cultured on the crosslinked scaffold promoted the in vivo tumor growth of BALB/c nude mice. Finally, the dedifferentiated cancer cells, including MCF-7, HepG2 and A549 cells, were less sensitive to chemotherapeutics. Thus, photooxidatively crosslinked acellular tumor ECMs have potentials as 3D tumor engineering scaffolds for cancer research.

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

Natural material scaffolds have been successfully used as 3D matrices to study the in vitro tumor cell growth and mimic the in vivo tumor microenvironment. Acellular tumor ECMs are developed as 3D scaffolds for tumor engineering but have limitations in terms of elastic modulus and cell spheroid formation. Here we use methylene blue-mediated photooxidation to crosslink acellular tumor ECMs and investigate the influence of photooxidative crosslinking on structural, mechanical and biological characteristics of acellular tumor ECM scaffolds. It is the first study to evaluate the feasibility of photooxidatively crosslinked acellular tumor ECMs as 3D scaffolds for cancer research and the results are encouraging. Moreover, this study provides new research areas in regard to photodynamic therapy (PDT) for Cancer.

Co-delivery of dihydroartemisinin and docetaxel in pH-sensitive nanoparticles for treating metastatic breast cancerviathe NF-κB/MMP-2 signal pathway

Metastasis is a major barrier in cancer chemotherapy. Prolonged circulation and rapid, specific intracellular drug release are two main goals in the development of nanoscale drug delivery systems to treat metastatic breast cancer. In this study, we investigated the anti-metastasis effect of docetaxel (DTX) in combination with dihydroartemisinin (DHA) in metastatic breast cancer 4T1 cells. We synthesized a pH-sensitive material 4-arm-PEG-DTX with a hydrazone bond and used it to construct nanoparticles that co-deliver DTX and DHA (D/D NPs). The D/D NPs had a mean size of 142.5 nm and approximately neutral zeta potential. The pH-sensitive nanoparticles allowed acid-triggered drug release at the tumor site, showing excellent cytotoxicity (IC50 = 7.0 μg mL⁻¹), cell cycle arrest and suppression of cell migration and invasion. The mechanisms underlying the anti-metastasis effect of the D/D NPs involved downregulation of the expression of p-AKT, NF-κB and MMP-2. Therefore, D/D NPs represent a new nanoscale drug delivery system for treating metastatic breast cancer, responding to the acidic tumor microenvironment to release the chemotherapeutic drugs.

Co-delivery DTX and DHA as acid-sensitive nanoparticles to exert synergistic effects for metastatic breast cancer therapy.