A vascularized tumors-on-a-chip model for studying tumor-angiogenesis interplay, heterogeneity and drug responses.

ABSTRACT: Current tumor models struggle to replicate the complexity of the tumor microenvironment, particularly endothelial sprouting and vascular-tumor interactions. To address these limitations, we developed a vascularized tumors-on-a-chip model by fusing tumor spheroids with HUVEC spheroids to simulate angiogenesis. The model incorporates hypoxia-driven cytokine secretion and dynamic endothelial penetration, enabling accurate recapitulation of angiogenic processes. Spheroids were optimized for size and viability, and four cancer types were studied, with GBM and A549 exhibiting the highest angiogenic potential, as confirmed by Z-stack imaging and qRT-PCR. Encapsulation in GelMA and integration into PDMS-based microfluidic chips provided a dynamic flow environment, mimicking in vivo drug del

SUBMITTER: Shin S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12020855 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature