Extracellular matrices (ECMs) play a crucial role in tumor growth and metastases by providing structural support and facilitating tumor cell proliferation. In this review, we explore the development of artificial ECMs engineered through biomineralization, fibrogenesis, and gelation. These bioinspired ECMs create a protective barrier around tumor cells, restricting substance exchange, inhibiting metastases, and potentially inducing tumor cell death, which offers advanced strategies for tumor therapy.
Abstract:
Extracellular matrices (ECMs) play a crucial role in the onset and progression of tumors by providing structural support and promoting the proliferation and metastases of tumor cells. Current therapeutic approaches targeting tumor ECMs focus on two main strategies: Inhibiting matrix degradation to prevent metastases and facilitating matrix degradation to enhance the penetration of drugs and immune cells. However, these strategies may lead to unintended consequences, such as tumor growth promotion, drug resistance, and side effects like fibrotic changes in healthy tissues. Biomaterials have made significant progress in fabricating artificial ECMs for tumor therapy by inducing biomineralization, fibrogenesis, or gelation. This perspective explores the fundamental concepts, benefits, and challenges of each technique. Additionally, future improvements and research directions in artificial ECMs are discussed, highlighting their potential to advance tumor therapy.
Author list:
Jinfeng Sun, Yang Liu, Jingshan Sun, Jianxun Ding*, Xuesi Chen
How to cite:
J. Sun, Y. Liu, J. Sun, J. Ding, X. Chen, Exploration 2025, 20240229.
https://doi.org/10.1002/EXP.20240229