Zhou Rui, Brislinger Dagmar, Fuchs Julia, Lyons Alicia, Langthaler Sonja, Hauser Charlotte A E, Baumgartner Christian
Institute of Health Care Engineering with European Testing Center of Medical Devices, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria.
Department of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
Clin Transl Med. 2025 Mar;15(3):e70258. doi: 10.1002/ctm2.70258.
Organoids are three-dimensional (3D) cellular models designed to replicate human tissues and organs while preserving their physiological complexity and functionality. Among these, vascularised organoids represent a groundbreaking advancement in 3D tissue engineering, incorporating vascular networks into engineered tissues to more accurately mimic the in vivo tumour microenvironment. These models offer significantly improved physiological relevance compared to conventional two-dimensional cultures or animal models, positioning them as invaluable tools in cancer research. Despite their potential, the rapid proliferation of techniques and materials for developing vascularised organoids presents challenges for researchers navigating this dynamic field. This systematic review provides a comprehensive examination of methodologies for fabricating vascularised organoids, with a focus on strategies that enhance vascularisation and support organoid growth. It critically evaluates the materials used, emphasising those that effectively mimic the extracellular matrix and facilitate vascular network formation. Key advancements in engineered organoids models are highlighted, emphasising their potential for studying interactions between vasculature and cancer cells, conducting drug screening, and understanding cytokine regulation. In summary, this review provides an in-depth overview of the current landscape of vascularised organoid fabrication and functionality, addressing challenges and opportunities within the field. A detailed understanding of the scope and future trajectories is essential for advancing organoid development and expanding their applications in both basic cancer research and clinical practice. KEY POINTS: Comparative analysis: Evaluation of organoids, animal models, and 2D models, highlighting their respective strengths and limitations in replicating physiological conditions and studying disease processes. Vascularisation techniques: Comparative evaluation of vascularised organoid fabrication methods, emphasising their efficiency, scalability and ability to replicate physiological vascular networks. Material selection: Thorough evaluation of materials for vascularised organoid culture system, focusing on those that effectively mimic the extracellular matrix and support vascular network formation. Applications: Overview of organoid applications in basic cancer research and clinical settings, with an emphasis on their potential in drug discovery, disease modelling and exploring complex biological processes.
类器官是三维（3D）细胞模型，旨在复制人体组织和器官，同时保留其生理复杂性和功能。其中，血管化类器官代表了3D组织工程的一项突破性进展，即将血管网络整合到工程组织中，以更准确地模拟体内肿瘤微环境。与传统的二维培养或动物模型相比，这些模型在生理相关性方面有显著提高，使其成为癌症研究中非常有价值的工具。尽管它们具有潜力，但用于开发血管化类器官的技术和材料的迅速增加给在这个动态领域中探索的研究人员带来了挑战。本系统综述全面审视了制造血管化类器官的方法，重点关注增强血管化和支持类器官生长的策略。它批判性地评估了所使用的材料，强调那些能有效模拟细胞外基质并促进血管网络形成的材料。突出了工程类器官模型的关键进展，强调了它们在研究血管与癌细胞之间的相互作用、进行药物筛选以及理解细胞因子调节方面的潜力。总之，本综述深入概述了血管化类器官制造和功能的当前状况，探讨了该领域内的挑战和机遇。对范围和未来发展轨迹的详细了解对于推进类器官的发展以及扩大它们在基础癌症研究和临床实践中的应用至关重要。要点：比较分析：对类器官、动物模型和二维模型进行评估，突出它们在复制生理条件和研究疾病过程方面各自的优势和局限性。血管化技术：对血管化类器官制造方法进行比较评估，强调其效率、可扩展性以及复制生理血管网络的能力。材料选择：对血管化类器官培养系统的材料进行全面评估，重点关注那些能有效模拟细胞外基质并支持血管网络形成的材料。应用：概述类器官在基础癌症研究和临床环境中的应用，重点强调它们在药物发现、疾病建模和探索复杂生物学过程方面的潜力。
