Natural compound-based scaffold to design in vitro disease systems

Abstract

Traditional disease evaluation models of animal systems and two-dimensional (2D) systems are extremes of executability and reflection of true disease state. By using the in vitro three-dimensional scaffold, a sustainable path could be achieved that is similar to disease conditions without the use of animals. Scaffold-based three-dimensional (3D) systems can replicate the natural physical architecture as well as are able to induce similar genotypic and phenotypic gene expressions in the cells. Scaffolds can be constructed either by artificial or natural sources. However, in many cases, natural scaffolds show the best result in term of cell proliferation and differentiation with extracellular matrix cell secretion properties. Because of their natural origin, such scaffolds lack mechanical strength and tunability which can be easily overcome by mixing them with other biocompatible compounds to make hydrogel. In this chapter, we discuss the significance of natural compounds for the preparation of scaffolds and their implication for the disease model. © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.