Scientists Studying The Spread of Cancer Cells Through 3D Printing

Animal experimentation for medical purposes raises many questions, especially ethical ones. That is why a team of scientists from the Henry Royce Institute is 3D printing bone structures to study different forms of cancer. The aim is to see how cancer cells evolve in an environment that resembles bone tissue. In this way, animal trials are considerably reduced, and researchers can speed up and multiply their tests. Should this practice be democratized?

Of course, this isn’t the first time we’ve mentioned this subject, and in the medical field, 3D technologies are often used to conduct trials and gain a better understanding of certain pathologies. They enable the creation of tailor-made structures, using a variety of materials, which facilitate the cultivation of cells of all kinds. Moreover, these structures can be designed according to local needs, and in principle within short lead times. The advantages of additive manufacturing in such cases are well understood: the work of the Henry Royce Institute is yet another example.

3D printed bone structures (Photo credits: Fatih Eroglu)

More concretely, the team is 3D printing bone structures to act as “homes” for cancer cells, particularly breast cancer cells. The aim is to study how they propagate in tissues. To do this, they use two materials, PLGA and HA-PLGA. PLGA is a biodegradable polymer that forms the basis of the bone model. The second is a mixture of PLGA and hydroxyapatite naturally present in bone. This makes for a more realistic model and an environment closer to natural bone tissue.