Bioprinted, vascularized neuroblastoma tumor environment model
2022
Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
In this work, 3D bioprinting and fluidic chip technology were combined to generate a complex vascularized tumor-on-a-chip model. A perfused and micro-vascularized tumor environment model that is directly bioprinted into custom-manufactured fluidic chips was developed. In this model, a hydrogel matrix containing multiple cell types mimics the tumor microenvironment that promotes spontaneous micro-vessel formation by embedded endothelial cells. Bioprinted channels were coated with endothelial cells post printing to form a dense vessel-tissue barrier. Patient-derived neuroblastoma spheroids were added to the matrix during the printing process and grown for more than two weeks. It was demonstrated that micro-vessels are attracted by and grow into the tumor spheroids and that neuroblastoma cells invade the tumor environment as soon as the spheroids disrupt.
The bioprinted, micro-vascularized neuroblastoma tumor environment model thus represents a platform suitable for studying tumor angiogenesis and metastasis as well as for performing drug validation studies.
3D bioprinted, vascularized neuroblastoma tumor environment in fluidic chip devices for precision medicine drug testing
Judith Hagenbuchner, Michael J Ausserlechner
Added on: 09-01-2022
[1] https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1758-5090/ac5fb7[2] https://www.i-med.ac.at/pr/presse/2022/30.html
