Public defence in Engineering Physics, M.Sc. Maria Heilala

Title of the thesis: Hydrogel-based 3D culture systems for modeling breast cancer

Thesis defender: Maria Heilala
Opponent: Professor João F. Mano, University of Aveiro, Portugal
Custos: Aalto Distinguished Professor Olli Ikkala, Aalto University School of Science

Breast cancer is the most common cancer type in women and a significant cause of cancer-related death. Treatment of advanced breast cancer remains challenging, as cancer cells alter their own behavior and the function of immune cells during cancer progression. Hydrogel-based 3D culture models enable the study of these phenomena in the laboratory.

In this doctoral thesis work, 3D culture models based on human- and plant-derived hydrogels were established for breast cancer research. Proteins from human blood were used to prepare mechanically tunable fibrin gels, which were used to model circulating tumor cell adaptation from liquid to a matrix environment. In addition, wood-derived nanocellulose gels with adjustable stiffness and surface chemistry were used to model immunosuppressive immune cell phenotypes in tumors.

The thesis demonstrates that tunable, animal-free hydrogels can be used to model various processes contributing to breast cancer progression. The findings also advance the understanding of cell-matrix interactions, which can be utilized to develop more diverse 3D culture models for breast cancer research and drug discovery.

Keywords: breast cancer, phenotypic plasticity, 3D cell culture, hydrogel, fibrin, nanocellulose 

Thesis available for public display 7 days prior to the defence at Aalto University's public display page.