Development and validation of a 3D malignant melanoma equivalents model applying Chlorin e6 nanoemulsions as a promising photosensitizer in photodynamic therapy

• Grant number: 24/00951-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: August 01, 2025
• End date: December 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Biomedical Engineering - Bioengineering
• Principal Investigator: Fernando Lucas Primo
• Grantee: Stéphanie Rochetti do Amaral
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas (FCFAR). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Araraquara. Araraquara , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The tumor environment is highly complex, making the development of new therapeutic approaches challenging. Most studies are still carried out in 2D culture models, which, despite their advantages, do not mimic the complexity that exists in vivo. In order to overcome these limitations, several three-dimensional models are being developed to complexly mimic the tumor environment and enable the development of specific therapies. The importance of tissue engineering for the development of useful biological models for understanding tumor development is highlighted. In recent years, Photodynamic Therapy has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) against some types of cancer and is a promising therapeutic modality that is being developed in conjunction with nanotechnology, which seeks to improve the characteristics of drugs for applications. This project aims to develop a new highly innovative 3D bioprinted model by the suspended layer additive manufacturing (SLAM) method with melanoma cells, where the tumor environment will be recreated in three different stages, applying Photodynamic Therapy as a therapeutic modality in conjunction with nanotechnology, through a nanoemulsion system with a photosensitizer approved by the FDA for the treatment of some types of cancer, Chlorin e6. The 3D bioprinted system as well as the nanoemulsified system and the free photosensitizer will be characterized and analyzed, developing a useful biological model for Tissue Engineering and Translational Medicine.