In Vitro Glioblastoma Model on a Plate for Localized Drug Release Study from a 3D-Printed Drug-Eluted Hydrogel Mesh

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive type of brain tumor that has limited treatment options. Current standard therapies, including surgery followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy, are not very effective due to the rapid progression and recurrence of the tumor. Therefore, there is an urgent need for more effective treatments, such as combination therapy and localized drug delivery systems that can reduce systemic side effects. Recently, a handheld printer was developed that can deliver drugs directly to the tumor site. In this study, the feasibility of using this technology for localized co-delivery of temozolomide (TMZ) and deferiprone (DFP) to treat glioblastoma is showcased. A flexible drug-loaded mesh (GlioMesh) loaded with poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microparticles is printed, which shows the sustained release of both drugs for up to a month. The effectiveness of the printed drug-eluting mesh in terms of tumor toxicity and invasion inhibition is evaluated using a 3D micro-physiological system on a plate and the formation of GBM tumoroids within the microenvironment. The proposed in vitro model can identify the effective combination doses of TMZ and DFP in a sustained drug delivery platform. Additionally, our approach shows promise in GB therapy by enabling localized delivery of multiple drugs, preventing off-target cytotoxic effects.