Silk Scaffolds Could Replace Lab Animals

Jun-25-13 Building 3D tumors on scaffolds made of silk may provide researchers with a way to develop new treatments without needing to use live animals.

The method was demonstrated by researchers at the National University of Singapore, who grew 3D osteosarcoma tumors on silk scaffolds in a pressurized bioreactor. The model tumor was able to express makers that indicate blood vessel growth and respond to drugs that prevent blood vessel formation in a similar way to that of the mouse model, helping to bridge the gap between animal and laboratory testing.

According to Dr. Pamela Tan, “Our model also makes it possible to study how tumor cells interact with cells of the surrounding tissue, which results in more aggressive tumors behavior.”

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