title: Evaluating Biomaterial- and  Microfluidic-Based 3D Tumor  Models.
abstract: Cancer is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with a disease burden estimated to increase over the coming decades. Disease heterogeneity and limited information on cancer biology and disease mechanisms are aspects that 2D cell cultures fail to address. Here, we review the current ‘state-of-the-art’ in 3D tissue-engineering (TE) models developed for, and used in, cancer research. We assess the potential for scaffold-based TE models and microfluidics to fill the gap between 2D models and clinical application. We also discuss recent advances in combining the principles of 3D TE models and microfluidics, with a special focus on biomaterials and the most promising chip-based 3D models.
authors.affiliation: 3Bs Research Group (Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics), University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Taipas, Guimarães, 4806-909 Portugal; ICVS/3Bs, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, 4806-909 Caldas das Taipas, Guimarães, Portugal; These authors contributed equally to this article.
authors.forename: Mariana R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Carvalho
authors.affiliation: 3Bs Research Group (Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics), University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Taipas, Guimarães, 4806-909 Portugal; ICVS/3Bs, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, 4806-909 Caldas das Taipas, Guimarães, Portugal; These authors contributed equally to this article.
authors.forename: Daniela
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Lima
authors.affiliation: 3Bs Research Group (Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics), University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Taipas, Guimarães, 4806-909 Portugal; ICVS/3Bs, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, 4806-909 Caldas das Taipas, Guimarães, Portugal.
authors.forename: Rui L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Reis
authors.affiliation: 3Bs Research Group (Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics), University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Taipas, Guimarães, 4806-909 Portugal; ICVS/3Bs, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, 4806-909 Caldas das Taipas, Guimarães, Portugal.
authors.forename: Vitor M
authors.initials: VM
authors.lastname: Correlo
authors.affiliation: 3Bs Research Group (Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics), University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Taipas, Guimarães, 4806-909 Portugal; ICVS/3Bs, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, 4806-909 Caldas das Taipas, Guimarães, Portugal. Electronic address: miguel.oliveira@dep.uminho.pt.
authors.forename: Joaquim M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Oliveira
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D044085:Microfluidics / Q000379:methods*; D008954:Models, Biological; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000503:physiopathology*; D023822:Tissue Engineering / Q000379:methods*