3D Bioprinting: An Important Tool for Tumor Microenvironment Research

Yilin Li,1,* Jiaxing Liu,2,* Shun Xu,1 Jiajun Wang1 1Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Shun Xu; Jiajun Wang, Email xushun610539@sina.com; wjj100@163.comAbstract: The tumor microenvironment plays a crucial role in cancer development and treatment. Traditional 2D cell cultures fail to fully replicate the complete tumor microenvironment, while mouse tumor models suffer from time-consuming procedures and complex operations. However, in recent years, 3D bioprinting technology has emerged as a vital tool in studying the tumor microenvironment. 3D bioprinting is a revolutionary biomanufacturing technique that involves layer-by-layer stacking of biological materials, such as cells and biomaterial scaffolds, to create highly precise 3D biostructures. This technology enables the construction of intricate tissue and organ models in the laboratory, which are utilized for biomedical research, drug development, and personalized medicine. The application of 3D bioprinting has brought unprecedented opportunities to fields such as cancer research, tissue engineering, and organ transplantation. It has opened new possibilities for addressing real-world biological challenges and improving medical treatment outcomes. This review summarizes the applications of 3D bioprinting technology in the context of the tumor microenvironment, aiming to explore its potential impact on cancer research and treatment. The use of this cutting-edge technology promises significant advancements in understanding cancer biology and enhancing medical interventions.Keywords: 3D bioprinting, tumor microenvironment research, tumor microenvironment