CSC-based malignant melanoma model by 3D-bioprinting

Tumor microenvironment is crucial for understanding native tumor behaviour. It consists of a complex and dynamic network of cells, blood vessels and secreted factors that continually changes its composition and state. A small fraction of those cells are cancer stem cells (CSC), an essential therapeutic target for cancer research due to its important role in drug resistance and later tumor recurrence.

In comparison to traditional bi-dimensional (2D) models, and tri-dimensional (3D) in vitro models that include a biomimetic extracellular matrix, 3D-bioprinting comprises the most optimal alternative to produce a tumor model, since the heterogeneity and complexity of the microenvironment can be replicated through co-printing of the different components by loading them in different bioinks.

In this invention, a 3D-model of CSC-based malignant melanoma (MM) has been developed by using 3D-bioprinting. It uses primary MM cells from patients or commercial lines, comprises the three skin layers, and permits its vascularization even in the absence of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).

The resulting model is able to replicate the heterogeneity and treatment response of the tumor, which will allow to identify drug resistant tumors, discover drugs against MM and optimize current treatments towards a more reliable and successful precision and personalized medicine, while also involving important savings in time and resources compared to the use of animal testing and clinical assays.

ADVANTAGES AND BENEFITS

• Higher model fidelity,which more accurately replicates celular components, the tri-layer structure and microenvironment tan current 2D, and 3D in vitro models.
• Overcomes difficulties associated with current 3D in vitro models,such as limited vascularization, lack of well-organized spatial distribution of the biological components, and oversimplified structure.
• High standardization, scalability and repeatability of assaysthanks to the optimized generation via bioprinting, which favors asset commercialization.
• Ethic alternative to animal testing.The use of a skin model reduces the need of animal testing, and it can even reduce the need of clinical trials.
• Time and resource savingslinked to the reduced use of experimental animals and the conduction of clinical trials.

Current development status

Laboratory prototypes

Applications

Health

Oncology

Research

Biotechnology

Desired business relationship

Patent licensing