1
Return

3D Bioprinting for Tumor Microenvironment Reconstruction: Advances, Challenges, and Future Perspectives

delete2026-06-17
delete0
PRE
AI
L
Ling-Jun Yao
P
Pei-Lin Xie
T
Ting-Xuan Huang
J
Jin-Suo Xiao
Z
Zhen-Tao Zhu
S
Sui Liu
T
Ting-Yu Wang
T
Teng Qi *
DOI:10.1002/biot.70267delete
deleteOriginal
deleteOriginal request for help
deleteShare
deleteSave
Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
Cancer remains a major global health burden, and the disconnect between preclinical models and clinical outcomes continues to hinder progress in oncology. Conventional two-dimensional (2D) cell cultures fail to recapitulate the in vivo tumor microenvironment (TME) and consequently show poor predictive power for drug responses. Animal models provide systemic insights but are constrained by interspecies differences, limited throughput, and high costs. Advanced three-dimensional (3D) in vitro platforms, such as spheroids, organoids, and organ-on-chip systems, have improved physiological relevance; however, they often lack the spatial control, reproducibility, and integrative capacity needed to capture the full complexity of the TME. This review posits that the unique value of 3D bioprinting in cancer research lies in its ability to reproducibly integrate the multicomponent complexity of the TME within a controllable spatial framework, a capability that no existing 3D model can provide simultaneously. We outline the technical foundation for TME reconstruction by 3D bioprinting, which encompasses bioink design, printing strategies, and the construction of complex tumor models. We subsequently summarize its applications in tumor biology, drug screening, personalized therapy and preclinical evaluation, and discuss translational challenges, interdisciplinary integration and future research directions. This review is intended to advance both basic cancer research and precision oncology.
Keywords:
3D bioprinting
cancer biology
drug screening
in vitro tumor models
personalized oncology
tumor immunology
tumor microenvironment

Journal

Biotechnology Journal cover
Biotechnology Journal
IF:
3.1
Papers:
3.0K
Citations:
8.0K

Organization

T
the chinese university of hong kong
Scholars:
3.4K
Papers: 1.6K
Citations: 0
N
northwest university
Scholars:
2.5K
Papers: 799
Citations: 0
Cited Papers

Cited Papers

Citing Papers

Citing Papers