VoxCell CEO Publishes on Vascularization Strategies in 3D Cell Culture Models

Victoria, November 2022—We’re proud to share that VoxCell BioInnovation’s CEO, Dr. Karolina Valente, has co-authored a peer-reviewed paper in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences (MDPI), titled "Vascularization Strategies in 3D Cell Culture Models: From Scaffold-Free Models to 3D Bioprinting"

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This comprehensive review explores one of the most pressing challenges in preclinical drug development: the lack of physiological relevance in traditional 2D cell culture systems. The paper evaluates how vascularization techniques, from scaffold-free methods to advanced 3D bioprinting, are transforming in vitro models by replicating in vivo-like drug responses more accurately.

The Impact Within in vitro modelling

One of the most persistent challenges in preclinical drug development is the lack of physiologically relevant in vitro models, particularly those that can replicate vascularization, the process by which tissues receive nutrients, oxygen, and drugs. Most current models rely on simplistic approaches, such as scaffold-based diffusion gradients, endothelial co-culture, or hydrogel patterning. While these techniques provide incremental benefits over traditional 2D culture, they fail to recreate the intricate, perfusable vascular networks found in human tissue. This limitation has significant consequences. Without vascularization, 3D models struggle to maintain viability, can’t support long-term experiments, and do not accurately reflect how drugs behave in the body. The result is poor predictive accuracy in preclinical studies, leading to costly late-stage failures and continued reliance on animal testing.

A method such as 2PP enables micron-scale fabrication of perfusable, human-like microvasculature, allowing for the creation of in vitro models that truly mimic living tissue. This advancement is more than technical, it's transformational. By enabling nutrient delivery, waste removal, and realistic drug diffusion throughout engineered tissues, vascularized models dramatically enhance biological relevance and predictive power. They support longer, more complex studies and allow researchers to identify ineffective drugs earlier in the pipeline—saving time, reducing costs, and ultimately bringing safer, more effective treatments to patients faster.

About VoxCell BioInnovation

VoxCell BioInnovation is a leading provider of next-generation in vitro models, powered by our 3D bioprinted, vascularized tissue technology. Our ready-to-perfuse models closely replicate human biology with in vivo–like microvascular networks, enabling nutrient and oxygen delivery, systemic drug distribution, and more predictive therapeutic responses. VoxCell’s end-to-end solution offers researchers and pharmaceutical companies a scalable, ethical alternative to animal testing. Our mission is to reduce reliance on animal models, accelerate preclinical development, and advance more effective therapies for patients.

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