Marc-Olivier Coppens and his research group have published their research in Molecular Systems Design & Engineering, and one of their images has been selected as the cover image of the September issue of the journal.

Models are an important research tool for studying solid tumors. For example, they allow researchers to predict and visualise the behaviour of therapeutic T cells in a tumor-like environment – either in silico or in vitro. Marc-Olivier Coppens’ research group takes inspiration from nature to engineer 3D models of biological systems. Advances in 3D printing technology allow these in silico models to be 3D-printed and used to study biological systems in vitro. In NexTGen, researchers aim to generate 3D printed models based on tumors.

One method for creating 3D models uses Voronoi structures, which are structures that divide a 3D space into compartments. Voronoi structures can be designed to represent complex biological networks, such as tumor microenvironments.

Voronoi structures can be generated using different methods, usually based on the point in the middle of each compartment. However, this approach is unpredictable, often generating structures that don’t match the desired design, meaning that time-consuming design iterations are required. Todd et al. have generated a new set of equations for generating Voronoi structures, based on simple physical parameters (such as the number of edges or vertices within a structure). This new method allows researchers to more accurately and quickly generate 3D Voronoi structures.

In NexTGen, this technique could be used to design and 3D print a scaffold that simulates a tumor microenvironment. Researchers can then study in vitro how therapeutic CAR T cells behave in these environments and possibly devise ways of improving immunotherapeutic T cell efficacy in different tumor microenvironments. Eventually, this work could contribute to tailoring CAR T cell therapy to a specific tumor type.

Key terms:

In silico: using computer modelling.

In vitro: literally “in glass” (e.g. a test tube); refers to experiments done with biological molecules, but outside an organism.

Voronoi structures: 3D networks which divide a space into compartments, around defined points.

CAR T cells: Chimeric Antigen Receptor T cells; T cells that have been genetically modified to recognise and attack cancer cells.

Tumor microenvironment: The normal cells, immune cells, molecules, and blood vessels that surround and feed a tumor.