Tumor-on-a-chip models combined with mini-tissues or organoids for engineering tumor tissues

Theranostics. 2024 Jan 1;14(1):33-55. doi: 10.7150/thno.90093. eCollection 2024.

Abstract

The integration of tumor-on-a-chip technology with mini-tissues or organoids has emerged as a powerful approach in cancer research and drug development. This review provides an extensive examination of the diverse biofabrication methods employed to create mini-tissues, including 3D bioprinting, spheroids, microfluidic systems, and self-assembly techniques using cell-laden hydrogels. Furthermore, it explores various approaches for fabricating organ-on-a-chip platforms. This paper highlights the synergistic potential of combining these technologies to create tumor-on-a-chip models that mimic the complex tumor microenvironment and offer unique insights into cancer biology and therapeutic responses.

Keywords: Biofabrication; Cancer research; Organoids; Tumor microenvironment; Tumor-on-a-chip.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Hydrogels
  • Lab-On-A-Chip Devices
  • Neoplasms*
  • Organoids
  • Tissue Engineering* / methods
  • Tumor Microenvironment

Substances

  • Hydrogels