Bioimprinting: Bringing Together 2D and 3D in Dissecting Cancer Biology

Abstract

2D plus experiments • cancer research • cell culture model • physiological cues • signal transduction Basic cell biology researchIn recent years, the role of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in cellular functions and tissue homeostasis has been well acknowledged [1]. ECM represents a major constituent of tissue architecture, arranged into a 3D network secreted by various stromal cells, composed of a diverse range of fibrous and nonfibrous, and structural and nonstructural proteins, accompanied by polysaccharides. Several in vitro cell culture models that can mimic the ECM features have been introduced to investigate tumor biology, such as different 3D cell culture models. Distinct versions of 3D culture models using hydrogels [2], collagen, Matrigel [3], nonadherent surfaces [4,5] and engineered scaffolds [6][7][8] have emerged. Current in vitro cell culture modelsGenerally, 3D culture models are considered to have a better resemblance to the in vivo physiological extracellular environment than traditional 2D cell culture models. Although these cell culture models help answer some of the key questions, they may accompany multifactorial complexities. For example, the nonuniformity in the spheroid size contributes to the poor reproducibility of the cell response to cytotoxic drugs [9,10]. Also, large spheroids are devoid of any vasculature in the middle and hence the potential failure of drug delivery to the entire multicellular spheroid could be an important factor in reduced chemosensitivity rather than cellular resistance [11]. The cell culture conditions may induce certain genes to modify their expression levels and hence lead to modified cellular activities [12,13]. Therefore, in vitro cell responses, to some extent, do not truly reflect the in situ tumor cell conduct, but exhibit cell behavior associated with the given experimental conditions [14][15][16][17]. Thus, it is vital to carefully design the chosen cell culture system to investigate the given hypotheses. According to the principle of Occam's razor, attributed to William of Ockham in the early 14th century, the simplest answer is often the best answer.

Protein structure–function continuum model: Emerging nexuses between specificity, evolution, and structure

“…An approach involving protein disorder, cell culture, and bioimprinting, a technique exploiting adaptability of polymer structure to create a tailored binding site and well known among material scientists, deserves more attention (Sarwar & Evans, 2021; Wulff, 1995). Extracellular matrix (ECM) consists of proteins with diverse range of structures and disorder, which are most frequently used in designing 3D cell culture models.…”

“…Extracellular matrix (ECM) consists of proteins with diverse range of structures and disorder, which are most frequently used in designing 3D cell culture models. Sarwar and Evans (2021) have discussed increasing usefulness of bioimprinted cell culture models in cellular biology. Lederberg (2002) has made some interesting observations about molecular imprinting/bioimprinting.…”

Bidirectional Mechanical Response Between Cells and Their Microenvironment

“…The extracellular matrix assembles a 3D scaffold and is mostly secreted by nearby stromal cells, which contains a broad range of fibrous and non-fibrous elements. Additionally, the extracellular matrix stores nonstructural elements, such as polysaccharides [232]. Consequently, multiple in vitro cell culture scaffolds that can imitate the characteristics of the extracellular matrix have been developed to examine tumor biology, such as various 3D cell culture models.…”