World's First Long-Term Colorectal Cancer Model by 3D Bioprinting as a Mechanism for Screening Oncolytic Viruses

Advancement in Cancer Vasculogenesis Modeling through 3D Bioprinting Technology

Cancer vasculogenesis is a pivotal focus of cancer research and treatment given its critical role in tumor development, metastasis, and the formation of vasculogenic microenvironments. Traditional approaches to investigating cancer vasculogenesis face significant challenges in accurately modeling intricate microenvironments. Recent advancements in three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting technology present promising solutions to these challenges. This review provides an overview of cancer vasculogenesis and underscores the importance of precise modeling. It juxtaposes traditional techniques with 3D bioprinting technologies, elucidating the advantages of the latter in developing cancer vasculogenesis models. Furthermore, it explores applications in pathological investigations, preclinical medication screening for personalized treatment and cancer diagnostics, and envisages future prospects for 3D bioprinted cancer vasculogenesis models. Despite notable advancements, current 3D bioprinting techniques for cancer vasculogenesis modeling have several limitations. Nonetheless, by overcoming these challenges and with technological advances, 3D bioprinting exhibits immense potential for revolutionizing the understanding of cancer vasculogenesis and augmenting treatment modalities.

Confined bioprinting and culture in inflatable bioreactor for the sterile bioproduction of tissues and organs

The future of organ and tissue biofabrication strongly relies on 3D bioprinting technologies. However, maintaining sterility remains a critical issue regardless of the technology used. This challenge becomes even more pronounced when the volume of bioprinted objects approaches organ dimensions. Here, we introduce a novel device called the Flexible Unique Generator Unit (FUGU), which is a unique combination of flexible silicone membranes and solid components made of stainless steel. Alternatively, the solid components can also be made of 3D printed medical-grade polycarbonate. The FUGU is designed to support micro-extrusion needle insertion and removal, internal volume adjustment, and fluid management. The FUGU was assessed in various environments, ranging from custom-built basic cartesian to sophisticated 6-axis robotic arm bioprinters, demonstrating its compatibility, flexibility, and universality across different bioprinting platforms. Sterility assays conducted under various infection scenarios highlight the FUGU's ability to physically protect the internal volume against contaminations, thereby ensuring the integrity of the bioprinted constructs. The FUGU also enabled bioprinting and cultivation of a 14.5 cm3 human colorectal cancer tissue model within a completely confined and sterile environment, while allowing for the exchange of gases with the external environment. This FUGU system represents a significant advancement in 3D bioprinting and biofabrication, paving the path toward the sterile production of implantable tissues and organs.

Construction of tumor organoids and their application to cancer research and therapy

Cancer remains a severe public health burden worldwide. One of the challenges hampering effective cancer therapy is that the existing cancer models hardly recapitulate the tumor microenvironment of human patients. Over the past decade, tumor organoids have emerged as an in vitro 3D tumor model to mimic the pathophysiological characteristics of parental tumors. Various techniques have been developed to construct tumor organoids, such as matrix-based methods, hanging drop, spinner or rotating flask, nonadhesive surface, organ-on-a-chip, 3D bioprinting, and genetic engineering. This review elaborated on cell components and fabrication methods for establishing tumor organoid models. Furthermore, we discussed the application of tumor organoids to cancer modeling, basic cancer research, and anticancer therapy. Finally, we discussed current limitations and future directions in employing tumor organoids for more extensive applications.