Computational prediction of the metabolic microenvironment in cancer models developed in vitro and ex vivo
Objectives
Predict the mechanical and mass transport field variables to which any cells are subjected during culture in (in this particular model- 3D cancer models) developed in vitro and implanted in embryonated avian eggs.
in silico modelling to accurately predict the concentration of soluble signals, nutrients, and metabolic by-products within the cell microenvironment in advanced cell models of breast and ovarian cancer, based on 3D cellularised scaffolds maintained in perfused culture in a bioreactor and/or
implanted in the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) of embryonated avian eggs. c) set-up of computational models of 3D cell micro environments based on 3D reconstructions of the construct geometry obtained from fluorescence time-lapse/z-stack confocal microscopy images acquired intravitally through imaging windows. We plan to set the main simulation parameters based on actual measurements. For example, we will measure in vitro the consumption coefficients of solutes and gases for the cell populations involved, to accurately predict cell consumption as a function of the cell density quantified intravitally.
Host Academic Institution: Politecnico di Milano