3D bioprinting and the revolution in experimental cancer model systems—A review of developing new models and experiences with in vitro 3D bioprinted breast cancer tissue-mimetic structures

Abstract

Growing evidence propagates those alternative technologies (relevant human cell-based—e.g., organ-on-chips or biofabricated models—or artificial intelligence-combined technologies) that could help in vitro test and predict human response and toxicity in medical research more accurately. In vitro disease model developments have great efforts to create and serve the need of reducing and replacing animal experiments and establishing human cell-based in vitro test systems for research use, innovations, and drug tests. We need human cell-based test systems for disease models and experimental cancer research; therefore, in vitro three-dimensional (3D) models have a renaissance, and the rediscovery and development of these technologies are growing ever faster. This recent paper summarises the early history of cell biology/cellular pathology, cell-, tissue culturing, and cancer research models. In addition, we highlight the results of the increasing use of 3D model systems and the 3D bioprinted/biofabricated model developments. Moreover, we present our newly established 3D bioprinted luminal B type breast cancer model system, and the advantages of in vitro 3D models, especially the bioprinted ones. Based on our results and the reviewed developments of in vitro breast cancer models, the heterogeneity and the real in vivo situation of cancer tissues can be represented better by using 3D bioprinted, biofabricated models. However, standardising the 3D bioprinting methods is necessary for future applications in different high-throughput drug tests and patient-derived tumour models. Applying these standardised new models can lead to the point that cancer drug developments will be more successful, efficient, and consequently cost-effective in the near future.

Tumorigenic role of tacrolimus through mTORC1/C2 activation in post-transplant renal cell carcinomas

“…Cells were plated in 96-well plates (Sarstedt; Germany; 3000 cell/well) or into T25 flasks (Sarstedt; 2.5 ×10 4 cells per flask) and after 24 h, the following treatments were added in refreshed media for 72 h: tacrolimus (TAC; 10 and 50 ng/mL; Merck; USA (NJ)), rapamycin (RAPA; 10 and 50 ng/mL; Merck) and PP242 (1 μM; Tocris; UK). The applied concentrations were selected based on the recommended IS serum levels [ 34 , 35 ] and our previous studies [ 36 – 38 ]. Long-term TAC treatment (10 ng/mL; 21-day) was also applied in all cell lines.…”

Emerging roles of 3D-culture systems in tackling tumor drug resistance

“…A cell-laden bioink made of a precursor hydrogel and cells is prepared and deposited in a preprogrammed pattern using a 3D bioprinter; hydrogel is then crosslinked to form the final structure [ Figure 2C ]. Printing may be obtained through extrusion, inkjet, and stereolithography, as well as laser-assisted and electrospinning-based bioprinting [ 39 ] . Scalability is one of the interesting features of 3D printed models.…”

Preclinical Testing Techniques: Paving the Way for New Oncology Screening Approaches

“…Breast cancer is among the most prevalent cancer types worldwide and has an abnormally high risk of death after diagnosis for many more years compared to other cancer types [ 160 ]. As such, breast cancer is the most commonly researched cancer type among experimental papers [ 161 ]. Laser-based 3D bioprinting techniques have been previously used to produce breast cancer spheroids with high spatial control.…”