There is growing evidence showing that there is a correlation between breast cancer progression and the viscoelasticity of the surrounding extracellular matrix. imiTEM will explore that relationship in-vitro by developing viscoelastic hydrogels with controlled mechanical properties and biochemical composition that replicate the tumor microenvironment, and then generating 3D breast cancer models by embedding lab-grown tumors. By investigating the mechanical forces and structural alterations involved in breast cancer pathogenesis, imiTEM seeks to uncover novel insights into breast cancer mechanobiology, with the potential for advancements in early detection, prognosis, and therapeutic intervention.

• LEARTIKER S. COOP
• UGR – Universidad de Granada

• Generation of IPN alginate-dECM hydrogels with tunable viscoelasticity
• Mechanical characterization of the developed hydrogels (biological characterization at UGR)
• Generation of 3D breast cancer models by encapsulating breast tumor spheroids at UGR
• Mechanical characterization of the breast cancer models (biological characterization at UGR)
• Study of anticancer drug efficacy on the viscoelastic breast cancer models at UGR
• Modeling of the viscoelastic behavior of the developed hydrogels and breast cancer models