Silica-based branched hollow microfibers as a biomimetic extracellular matrix for promoting tumor cell growth in vitro and in vivo

Adv Mater. 2013 May 7;25(17):2492-6. doi: 10.1002/adma.201204472. Epub 2013 Mar 1.

Abstract

A novel scaffold composed of loosely branched hollow silica microfibers that has been proven to be highly biocompatible is proposed for the 3D culture of cancer cells. The MCF-7 cancer cells can grow and proliferate freely inside the scaffold in the form of multicellular spheroids. MCF-7 cancer cells cultured on the current 3D silica scaffold retained significantly more oncological characters than those cultured on the conventional 2D substrate and can serve as in vitro tumor model for studying cancer treatment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biomimetic Materials / chemical synthesis*
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Equipment Design
  • Equipment Failure Analysis
  • Extracellular Matrix / chemistry*
  • Extracellular Matrix / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • MCF-7 Cells
  • Materials Testing
  • Mice
  • Mice, Nude
  • Neoplasms, Experimental / pathology
  • Neoplasms, Experimental / physiopathology*
  • Silicon Dioxide / chemistry*
  • Surface Properties
  • Tissue Engineering / instrumentation*
  • Tissue Scaffolds*

Substances

  • Silicon Dioxide