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Matrix Stiffness Regulates Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) Spheroid Formation in a Tunable 3D Chitosan Hydrogel Model

delete2026-08-11
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OA
AI
G
Gaia Corallo
M
Maria Carmela Vegliante
S
Susanna Anita Pappagallo
A
Antonella Stanzione
F
Francesca Scalera
G
Giuseppe Gigli
D
Domenico Pastore
S
Sabino Ciavarella
F
Francesca Gervaso *
A
Alessandro Polini *
DOI:10.3390/gels12080705delete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) represents the most frequent subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma; however, conventional 2D cultures and murine models fail to fully recapitulate the complexity of the human tumor microenvironment (TME). To address these limitations, we developed and characterized three chitosan-based hydrogels with distinct physicochemical and mechanical properties as tunable three-dimensional (3D) platforms for DLBCL culture. U2932 lymphoma cells were encapsulated either alone or in co-culture with WPMY-1 stromal cells to investigate the effects of matrix stiffness and stromal support on lymphoma growth. Furthermore, co-culture with stromal cells promoted rapid spheroid formation and generated larger cellular aggregates than mono-cultures, with the most pronounced effect observed in the 2% chitosan hydrogel. Live/dead assays demonstrated high cell viability within the selected culture condition. Overall, the 2% chitosan formulation provided the most suitable microenvironment for supporting DLBCL growth and organization, highlighting its potential as a physiologically relevant 3D in vitro model for investigating lymphoma biology and evaluating novel therapeutic strategies.
Keywords:
hydrogels
lymphoma
stiffness
spheroids

Journal

Gels cover
Gels
IF:
5.3
Papers:
4.9K
Citations:
1.4W

Organization

U
università del salento
Scholars:
138
Papers: 68
Citations: 0
N
national research council
Scholars:
1.6K
Papers: 658
Citations: 0
I
irccs-istituto tumori giovanni paolo ii
Scholars:
5
Papers: 1
Citations: 0
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