Page 565 - IJB-10-3

International

Journal of Bioprinting

RESEARCH ARTICLE
Bioprinting native-like 3D micro breast cancer

tissues utilizing existing cancer cell lines

Brian E. Grottkau 1,2† *, Zhixin Hui , and Yonggang Pang *
1
1†
1 The Laboratory for Therapeutic 3D Bioprinting, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Massachusetts
General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
2 Department of Orthopedics, University of Miami Medical Center and Jackson Memorial Hospital,
Miami, FL 33136, USA

Abstract

3D cancer cell models provide a more accurate representation of in vivo conditions
than traditional 2D cultures. Many cancer cell lines, while stable and extensively
characterized in 2D environments, often underperform compared to primary cells
in 3D models due to the inherent resource constraints and variability of the latter.
To bridge this gap and harness the full potential of established cancer cell lines, we
adopted the innovative direct volumetric drop-on-demand (DVDOD) bioprinting
methodology that we have developed previously, leading to the inception of
printed micro-cancer tissues (PMCaTs). Our method, notable for its bioink droplet
scattering technique, enables the generation of intricate features within a droplet,
allowing for the creation of typical architectures of breast cancer tissue. We created
PMCaTs that captured the essence of micro breast cancer tissues, from native-like
† These authors contributed equally ductal structures and cancer nests to the intricate cancer microenvironment. This
to this work.
encompasses elements like cancer-associated fibroblasts, detailed microvasculature,
*Corresponding authors: and regions marked by both intensive proliferation and hypoxia. These bioprinted
Brian E. Grottkau
(bxg1729@med.miami.edu) models demonstrate long-term viability and are instrumental for diverse research
Yonggang Pang areas—from exploring cancer growth dynamics and hypoxia-induced behaviors
(ypang11@outlook.com) to investigating the nuances of microvasculature, drug penetration capabilities,
immune responses, metastatic trends, and clinical drug response predictions.
Citation: Grottkau BE, Hui Z,
Pang Y. Bioprinting native-like Ultimately, our groundbreaking DVDOD bioprinting technique holds the promise of
3D micro breast cancer tissues reshaping the landscape of cancer research, introducing advanced in vitro models
utilizing existing cancer cell lines. poised to transform therapeutic exploration.
Int J Bioprint. 2024;10(3):2911.
doi: 10.36922/ijb.2911
Received: February 9, 2024 Keywords: Bioprinting; Direct volumetric drop-on-demand; 3D micro breast cancer
Accepted: April 3, 2024 tissues; Native-like; Cancer cell lines; 3D models
Published Online: June 13, 2024
Copyright: © 2024 Author(s).
This is an Open Access article
distributed under the terms of the
Creative Commons Attribution 1. Introduction
License, permitting distribution,
1
and reproduction in any medium, Despite significant advancements in cancer research, recapitulating the complexities
2
provided the original work is of human tumors for in vitro drug testing and disease modeling remains a challenge.
properly cited. Numerous cancer cell lines have been established to deepen our comprehension of tumor
Publisher’s Note: AccScience biology and therapeutic responses. For example, the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia
Publishing remains neutral with (CCLE) offers over 1000 cell lines, providing a comprehensive molecular characterization
regard to jurisdictional claims in 3
published maps and institutional resource for cancer research. Similarly, the cancer therapeutics response portal (CTRP)
affiliations. provides over 900 cell lines, helping researchers tailor therapeutic strategies based on

Volume 10 Issue 3 (2024) 557 doi: 10.36922/ijb.2911