Advanced Biomaterials to Improve Cancer Modeling for Research

Fast-Track proposals will be accepted. Direct-to-Phase II proposals will NOT be accepted. Number of anticipated awards: 2-4 Budget (total costs, per award): Phase I: up to $400,000 for up to 12 months Phase II: up to $2,250,000 for up to 2 years PROPOSALS THAT EXCEED THE BUDGET OR PROJECT DURATION LISTED ABOVE MAY NOT BE FUNDED. Summary Synthetic, advanced biomaterials encompass a diverse range of materials, biological components, and applications that are poised to transform cancer research through precise 3D tumor models and microenvironment simulations and could lead to developments that reduce treatment side effects and improve cancer patient outcomes. These sophisticated models can accelerate drug development, by allowing researchers to predict how drugs might work in the human body more accurately. Traditional biomaterials (e.g., scaffolds and hydrogels) are generally static in morphology, and animal-derived products can induce inflammatory responses, and often degrade at unpredictable and uncontrolled rates. Traditional biomaterials sourced from tumors have inter- and intra- batch variability, quick gelation times, and requires careful handling for mechanical property modifications. Growth factor content can also stimulate confounding signaling cascades making it difficult for use in mechanistic cancer studies. Improved integration of existing biomaterials with advanced synthetic biomaterials (e.g. acrylates, collagen, hyaluronic acid, polyethylene glycol, tumor-sourced extracellular cellular matrix, alginate, chitosan, etc.) with cutting-edge sensors, AI, microfluidics, 3D/4D bioprinting, and other biomaterials may also open new avenues for research. Additionally, advances in biomaterials have the potential to address key issues like reproducibility (i.e. reduced batch-to-batch variability), bioactivity (e.g. active motifs promoting cell adhesion), mechanical properties (e.g. stiffness, strain, cross-linking, and plasticity), and biocompatibility. These tunable mechanics are possible through novel approaches that integrate photomediated, enzymatic, and polymerization-based chemistries. Successful commercialization of such biomaterials could enable broader access to advanced biomaterial-based cancer models and propel cancer biology research.