3D bioprinting of dECM-incorporated hepatocyte spheroid for simultaneous promotion of cell-cell and -ECM interactions

Enhanced hepatotoxicity assessment through encapsulated HepG2 spheroids in gelatin hydrogel Matrices: Bridging the gap from 2D to 3D culture

Conventional 2D drug screening often fails to predict clinical outcomes accurately. We present an innovative approach to enhance hepatotoxicity assessment by encapsulating HepG2 spheroids in gelatin hydrogel matrices with varying mechanical properties. Encapsulated spheroids exhibit sustained liver-specific functionality, enhanced drug-metabolizing enzyme expression, and increased drug sensitivity compared to 2D cultures. The platform detects critical variations in drug response, with significant differences in IC50 values between 2D and spheroid cultures ranging from 1.3-fold to > 13-fold, particularly for acetaminophen. Furthermore, drug-metabolizing enzyme expression varies across hydrogel concentrations, suggesting a role for matrix mechanical properties in modulating liver cell function. This novel spheroid-hydrogel platform offers a transformative approach to hepatotoxicity assessment, providing enhanced sensitivity, improved prediction, and a more physiologically relevant environment. Adopting such advanced in vitro models can accelerate drug development, reduce animal testing, and contribute to improved patient safety and clinical outcomes.

Advancements and application prospects of three-dimensional models for primary liver cancer: a comprehensive review

Primary liver cancer (PLC) is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers worldwide and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths. However, traditional liver cancer models fail to replicate tumor heterogeneity and the tumor microenvironment, limiting the study and personalized treatment of liver cancer. To overcome these limitations, scientists have introduced three-dimensional (3D) culture models as an emerging research tool. These 3D models, utilizing biofabrication technologies such as 3D bioprinting and microfluidics, enable more accurate simulation of the in vivo tumor microenvironment, replicating cell morphology, tissue stiffness, and cell-cell interactions. Compared to traditional two-dimensional (2D) models, 3D culture models better mimic tumor heterogeneity, revealing differential sensitivity of tumor cell subpopulations to targeted therapies or immunotherapies. Additionally, these models can be used to assess the efficacy of potential treatments, providing guidance for personalized therapy. 3D liver cancer models hold significant value in tumor biology, understanding the mechanisms of disease progression, and drug screening. Researchers can gain deeper insights into the impact of the tumor microenvironment on tumor cells and their interactions with the surrounding milieu. Furthermore, these models allow for the evaluation of treatment responses, offering more accurate guidance for clinical interventions. In summary, 3D models provide a realistic and reliable tool for advancing PLC research. By simulating tumor heterogeneity and the microenvironment, these models contribute to a better understanding of the disease mechanisms and offer new strategies for personalized treatment. Therefore, 3D models hold promising prospects for future PLC research.