# Setup of an In Vitro Three-Dimensional Stromalized Prostate Cancer Model Using Gelatin Microparticles

## TL;DR

This paper describes a new 3D prostate cancer model using gelatin microparticles to mimic the tumor microenvironment and reduce reliance on animal testing.

## Contribution

A novel 3D stromalized prostate cancer model using gelatin microparticles is developed to study tumor-stroma interactions.

## Key findings

- Gelatin microparticles were successfully used as microscaffolds for 3D cell culture.
- The model mimics tumor-stroma interactions and metabolic reprogramming in prostate cancer.
- The system offers a promising alternative to animal models for preclinical cancer research.

## Abstract

Developing three-dimensional (3D) tumor models that accurately
mimic the tumor microenvironment (TME) and its heterogeneity remains
a significant challenge in preclinical research. Advancing these models
holds the potential to improve the study of cancer pathologies in
vitro, while reducing dependence on animal models. To tackle this
challenge, in this work, we report on the development of an in vitro
3D stromalized prostate cancer model using gelatin porous microparticles
as microscaffolds for cell attachment and growth. Gelatin porous microparticles
were prepared by a double emulsion method and cross-linked with a
biocompatible cross-linking agent, that is, glyceraldehyde, to prevent
dissolution under physiological conditions. Then, we developed a stromalized
3D gelatin-based microscaffold biomimicking the interplay between
human prostate cancer (PCa) and stromal cells by coculturing 22Rv1
cells and fibroblasts with gelatin porous microparticles. Overall,
our results demonstrate the feasibility of gelatin microscaffolds
in reproducing a 3D stromalized model of PCa progression (e.g., metabolic
reprogramming), resulting from the tumor–stroma interaction.
Thus, these systems represent a valuable platform and an effective
tool for the study of cancer progression, such as TME biomimetics,
while simultaneously offering a valid alternative to minimize the
reliance on animal studies in preclinical research.