Biomimetic Scaffold‐Based 3D Models for Decoding Cancer Biology and Advancing Therapy

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Publication Details

Journal
Advanced Science
Published
2026-09-16
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.77715
Primary Topic
3D Printing in Biomedical Research
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

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article

Biomimetic Scaffold‐Based 3D Models for Decoding Cancer Biology and Advancing Therapy

Yu Han, Quan Cheng, Chenshen Huang, Wantao Wu et al.
Advanced Science
3D Printing in Biomedical Research
article

Biomimetic Scaffold‐Based 3D Models for Decoding Cancer Biology and Advancing Therapy

Yu Han, Quan Cheng, Chenshen Huang, Wantao Wu, Peng Luo, Xiaosong Li, Zhiwei Xia, Haitao Zhao, Lin Qi, Hao Zhang, Jie Li
article en

Abstract

While conventional two-dimensional (2D) cultures and animal models remain essential tools, they frequently fail to recapitulate the three-dimensional (3D) architecture, biomechanical cues, and spatial complexity of human tumors, thereby limiting their translational relevance. To address these limitations, scaffold-based 3D culture systems have emerged as powerful platforms that leverage engineered biomaterials to mimic key physical and biochemical properties of the native tumor microenvironment (TME). This review systematically examines the latest advances in biomimetic scaffold-based 3D tumor models. We first outline the principal biomaterials used in scaffold fabrication, including natural and synthetic polymers, hybrid composites, and decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM). We then discuss scaffold design strategies to replicate key hallmarks of cancer, including matrix stiffness, hypoxia, metabolic gradients, viscoelasticity, cell adhesion, proteolytic remodeling, and multicellular crosstalk. Furthermore, we highlight the application of these models in drug screening, personalized medicine, radiotherapy testing, and the study of metastasis and recurrence. Finally, we address persistent challenges in standardization, scalability, and clinical translation, while offering perspectives on future directions, including 4D bioprinting, smart responsive materials, multi-omics integration, and the development of "clinical trial in a dish" platforms.

Advanced Science
Central South University (CN), Changsha Medical University (CN), Hunan Normal University (CN), Dalian Medical University (CN), Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University (CN), Hunan Cancer Hospital (CN), Zhujiang Hospital (CN), Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology (CN), National Clinical Research (US), The Affiliated Yongchuan Hospital of Chongqing Medical University (CN), Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University (CN), Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University (CN), Xiangya Hospital Central South University (CN), Fuzhou University (CN), Chongqing Medical University (CN)
National Natural Science Foundation of China, Natural Science Foundation of Fujian Province, Natural Science Foundation of Chongqing
Openalex Percentile: Top 21%
3D Printing in Biomedical Research
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