Optimization of bioinks for 3D bioprinting of a vascularized pancreatic tumor model for drug testing.

• Grant number: 24/17373-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• Start date: May 01, 2025
• End date: April 30, 2029
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Analytical Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Emanuel Carrilho
• Grantee: Alicia Del Rocío Bonilla Vázquez
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química de São Carlos (IQSC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Currently, pancreatic cancer is an invasive cancer that is difficult to treat, and the success of clinical trials against cancer remains low. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is the most common, and the 5-year survival rate is less than 10%. Traditional in vitro tumor models do not replicate the complexity of the tumor microenvironment and response to therapies, so this project aims to develop a bioprinted vascularized tumor model for pancreatic cancer, providing an advanced tool for researchand personalized medicine. The optimization of bioinks is a crucial aspect of this project. The bioinks will be evaluated and improved in their mechanical properties, printability, biocompatibility, and biodegradability to ensure they adequately support cell viability and functionality. The proposed model is also expected to allow the study of critical cellular interactions, the evaluation of the response tochemotherapeutic treatments, and the analysis of resistance mechanisms to drugs such as gemcitabine. Finally, this project seeks to provide an accurate and robust platform for studying pancreatic cancer, improving the prediction of therapeutic response, and facilitating the development of more effective personalized treatments.