3D Tumor Model for Breast Cancer
Alfa Cytology offers advanced solutions for breast cancer cell models, addressing the challenges in constructing 3D breast cancer models. Our 3D models better represent the tumor physiology compared to traditional 2D culture systems. With our extensive cancer model database, our team can assist in selecting and designing studies for optimal outcomes using 3D assays.
Overview of 3D Tumor Models for Breast Cancer
In the past decade, there has been remarkable growth in the development of 3D models for various types of cancer, including diverse 3D breast cancer models. Porous gelatin microspheres were utilized to create breast cancer models. The beads were seeded with dermal fibroblasts, HUVECs, and ultimately MCF-10 or MCF-7 cells. Angiogenesis was assessed based on the branching vessel diameter.
Fig. 1. 3D Bioprinting a Cell-Laden Bone Matrix for Breast Cancer Metastasis Study. (Balachander GM, et al., 2021)
Our Services
Alfa Cytology offers a range of 3D models specifically designed for studying tumor physiology and conducting drug screening in breast cancer research. These models encompass various types, such as spheroids, organoids, breast cancer on a chip, and 3D bioprinting of tissues. We provide spheroids, organotypic cultures, and organoid models to facilitate the exploration of breast cancer and the development of new therapeutics.
Spheroids Models
Cell aggregates known as spheroids can be cultured in suspension, either on low-adhesion plastic plates or inert substrates like agarose, with continuous agitation. In the system, cancer cells are deposited on an ultralow fixation plate, which effectively prevents adhesion and facilitates suspension-based cell growth.
Organotypic Cultures
By culturing cancer cell lines in a semisolid extracellular matrix under specific culture medium conditions, organotypic models are created. These models faithfully replicate the in vivo characteristics of tumor cells, including growth kinetics, cellular heterogeneity, and signaling pathway activity.
Breast Tumor-on-Chip Models
Combine human primary breast cancer organoids with adipose tissue to generate an immunocompetent breast cancer chip model. This tumor chip can serve as a standardized, scalable, and exploratory platform for assessing the efficacy of drugs.
Organoid Models
The iPSCs undergo a reprogramming process, followed by directed differentiation. Subsequently, these cells are seeded into a specialized culture medium, along with an extracellular matrix, to initiate organoid culture. They are then seeded on Matrigel.
Construction of 3D Breast Cancer Models
Selecting the Right Cell Line
Considering the diverse phenotypic manifestations of breast cancer, we offer representative cell lines for cell culture, such as T47D and MDA-MB-231 cell lines.
Formation of uniform cell spheroids
After reaching the desired degree of cell confluence, single-layer cells are detached from the surface of cell culture using cell dissociation reagents, resulting in the formation of a single-cell suspension.
Optimize growth conditions for specific cell types
To facilitate the formation of spheroids, various optimizations are implemented in terms of culture media and cell seeding conditions, taking into account the varying abilities of different cell types to form spherical structures.
Cell Health Analysis
Prior to utilizing spheroids for downstream assays, a Cell Health Analysis is conducted, which involves assessing the size, compactness, cellular health, and viability of the spheroids.
Dose Response Assessment
Once the assessment of cellular health and spheroid activity is completed, the viable spheroids can be utilized for various downstream assays and corresponding research studies.
Contact Us
Alfa Cytology is dedicated to the development of breast cancer therapies and possesses extensive expertise in constructing 3D tumor models. Through collaboration with Alfa Cytology, our 3D cell culture models can support your endeavors in oncology and immuno-oncology drug development. For further information regarding our services, please reach out to our team for expert advice.
Reference
- Balachander GM, et al. 3D tumor models for breast cancer: Whither we are and what we need. ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering. 2021, 7(8): 3470-3486.