3D Bioprinted Tumor Constructs for Photothermal Therapy: Emerging Opportunities in Microgravity Research

Thanks to advancements in innovative technologies, it is now possible to conduct testing for new drugs and medical treatments without using animals. This significant development not only saves time and costs but also eliminates the need for animal sacrifice. In this context, we present a 3D-printed construct made from glioblastoma U87-MG cells combined with biomimetic keratin-coated gold nanoparticles (Ker- AuNPs). By utilizing the thermoplasmonic properties of these Ker-AuNPs, we can test photothermal therapy (PTT)—a minimally invasive treatment designed to destroy cancer cells—using a more realistic representation of the tumor environment. Additionally, our research represents a significant turning point for potential applications in microgravity conditions, enabling us to speculate on the efficacy of PTT in a controlled gravity environment.