Layered Cellulosic Scaffolds for 3D Tumor Cell Culture

Nano Terra, Inc.提出开发新型3D纤维素支架，通过堆叠2D层构建，能够精确建立指示体内肿瘤微环境的化学梯度。每一层都是用一个简单的指导原则构建的：通过本质上“远离细胞”来最大限度地减少对表型发育的抑制。支架将包含由少量成分组成的细胞外基质（ECM）模拟物，可在干燥状态下无需冷藏至少6个月。在第一阶段，我们将与缅因大学和海马生物科学公司合作，展示一种支架，它(1)支持人类肿瘤细胞的3D生长，包括与多种细胞类型共培养；(2)复制体内肿瘤微环境；(3)概括正确的肿瘤表型；(4)通过简单的分层提供对三维肿瘤结构进行切片的能力；(5)含有肿瘤生长所需的所有试剂和化学因子，无需冷藏。第二阶段的工作将侧重于支架验证，将支架纳入商业24孔和96孔微孔板格式，并生产5000个板用于商业销售。

Nano Terra, Inc. proposes to develop novel 3D cellulosic scaffolds, constructed by stacking 2D layers, which enable the precise establishment of chemical gradients indicative of the in-vivo tumor microenvironment. Each layer is constructed using a simple guiding principle: minimize inhibition of phenotypic development by essentially ¿staying out of the cells¿ way.¿ The scaffolds will contain extracellular matrix (ECM) mimics consisting of a minimal number of components, which can be stored in a dry state without refrigeration for periods of at least 6 months. In Phase I, in conjunction with the University of Maine and Seahorse Bioscience, we will demonstrate a scaffold that (1) supports the 3D growth of human tumor cells, including co-culture with multiple cell types; (2) replicates the in-vivo tumor microenvironment; (3) recapitulates the correct tumor phenotypes; (4) provides the ability to section 3D tumor constructs by simple destacking of layers; and (5) contains all reagents and chemical factors for tumor growth, without need for refrigeration. The Phase II effort will focus on scaffold validation, incorporating the scaffolds into commercial 24- and 96-well microplate formats, and manufacture of 5000 plates for commercial sale.