New bone models for cancer research without animal testing

Researchers at the Henry Royce Institute and the University of Manchester are using 3D printing to develop realistic bone models for cancer research. This method could significantly reduce animal testing while creating controllable conditions for studying bone tissue. The aim is to better understand the behavior of cancer cells, especially when breast cancer metastasizes to bone tissue.

Using low-cost FDM 3D printing technology, a base structure of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and hydroxyapatite (HA) is created that resembles the mineral properties of natural bone tissue. This combination creates a realistic environment for research. Unlike traditional approaches, which require expensive bioprinters, this method shows that inexpensive desktop printers can also be used to produce suitable scaffolds. This development could democratize research in this area, as the initial cost of high-end bioprinters is a barrier for many labs.

“We’re essentially creating a ‘bone in a dish’ using 3D printing technology. Think of it as building a miniature version of bone tissue where we can study cancer cell behaviour in a controlled environment”, said Fatih Eroglu.

The real innovation lies in the combination of these 3D-printed structures with bone marrow mesenchymal cells (BM-MSCs). These stem cells, known for their ability to develop into different cell types, are applied to the scaffolds. The structure of the scaffolds, with their microscopic pores, allows the cells to move, absorb nutrients and organize.

“It’s like giving these cells the perfect environment to become what we need them to be,” Fatih Eroglu notes. “Our early results show that the cells are not just surviving but, creating a realistic bone-like environment that we can use for studying cancer metastasis.

This method has the potential to transform cancer research and drug development. In addition to reducing animal testing, the method could also be applied to other diseases that affect bone tissue.

“We’re not just building scaffolds,” Fatih Eroglu concludes, “we’re creating new ways to study disease and test treatments that could reduce animal testing while accelerating research progress.”