3D-Printed Collagen Scaffolds Promote Maintenance of Cryopreserved Patients-Derived Melanoma Explants
Yun-Mi Jeong,
ChulHwan Bang,
MinJi Park,
Sun Shin,
Seokhwan Yun,
Chul Min Kim,
GaHee Jeong,
Yeun-Jun Chung,
Won-Soo Yun,
Ji Hyun Lee,
Songwan Jin
Affiliations
Yun-Mi Jeong
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Korea Polytechnic University, Gyoenggi-do, Siheung-si 15073, Korea
ChulHwan Bang
Department of Dermatology, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 296-12, Korea
MinJi Park
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Korea Polytechnic University, Gyoenggi-do, Siheung-si 15073, Korea
Sun Shin
Precision Medicine Research Center, IRCGP, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, Graduate School, The Catholic University of Korea, College of Medicine, Seoul 296-12, Korea
Seokhwan Yun
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Korea Polytechnic University, Gyoenggi-do, Siheung-si 15073, Korea
Chul Min Kim
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Korea Polytechnic University, Gyoenggi-do, Siheung-si 15073, Korea
GaHee Jeong
Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University, Seoul 296-12, Korea
Yeun-Jun Chung
Precision Medicine Research Center, IRCGP, Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, Graduate School, The Catholic University of Korea, College of Medicine, Seoul 296-12, Korea
Won-Soo Yun
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Korea Polytechnic University, Gyoenggi-do, Siheung-si 15073, Korea
Ji Hyun Lee
Department of Dermatology, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 296-12, Korea
Songwan Jin
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Korea Polytechnic University, Gyoenggi-do, Siheung-si 15073, Korea
The development of an in vitro three-dimensional (3D) culture system with cryopreserved biospecimens could accelerate experimental research screening anticancer drugs, potentially reducing costs and time bench-to-beside. However, minimal research has explored the application of 3D bioprinting-based in vitro cancer models to cryopreserved biospecimens derived from patients with advanced melanoma. We investigated whether 3D-printed collagen scaffolds enable the propagation and maintenance of patient-derived melanoma explants (PDMEs). 3D-printed collagen scaffolds were fabricated with a 3DX bioprinter. After thawing, fragments from cryopreserved PDMEs (approximately 1–2 mm) were seeded onto the 3D-printed collagen scaffolds, and incubated for 7 to 21 days. The survival rate was determined with MTT and live and dead assays. Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry staining was used to express the function of cryopreserved PDMEs. The results show that 3D-printed collagen scaffolds could improve the maintenance and survival rate of cryopreserved PDME more than 2D culture. MITF, Mel A, and S100 are well-known melanoma biomarkers. In agreement with these observations, 3D-printed collagen scaffolds retained the expression of melanoma biomarkers in cryopreserved PDME for 21 days. Our findings provide insight into the application of 3D-printed collagen scaffolds for closely mimicking the 3D architecture of melanoma and its microenvironment using cryopreserved biospecimens.
