Alginate–gelatin–Matrigel hydrogels enable the development and multigenerational passaging of patient-derived 3D bioprinted cancer spheroid models

Abstract

Hydrogels consisting of controlled fractions of alginate, gelatin, and Matrigel enable the development of patient-derived bioprinted tissue models that support cancer spheroid growth and expansion. These engineered models can be dissociated to be then reintroduced to new hydrogel solutions and subsequently reprinted to generate multigenerational models. The process of harvesting cells from 3D bioprinted models is possible by chelating the ions that crosslink alginate, causing the gel to weaken. Inclusion of the gelatin and Matrigel fractions to the hydrogel increases the bioactivity by providing cell-matrix binding sites and promoting cross-talk between cancer cells and their microenvironment. Here we show that immortalized triple-negative breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231) and patient-derived gastric adenocarcinoma cells can be reprinted for at least three 21 d culture cycles following bioprinting in the alginate/gelatin/Matrigel hydrogels. Our drug testing results suggest that our 3D bioprinted model can also be used to recapitulate in vivo patient drug response. Furthermore, our results show that iterative bioprinting techniques coupled with alginate biomaterials can be used to maintain and expand patient-derived cancer spheroid cultures for extended periods without compromising cell viability, altering division rates, or disrupting cancer spheroid formation.