Development of 3D Co-culture Systems aiming to produce realistic 3D-bone tissue models

Nowadays, osteoporosis’ patients have been increasing worldwide. To tackle this disease, scientists have been developing 3D model systems aiming to mimic bone microarchitecture and functionality, and ultimately, validate more efficient therapies. Nevertheless, despite this disease being characterized by an imbalance on osteoclast/osteoblast activity, the existing studies mostly focus on osteoblasts activity. For so, there is an urgent need for more physiological relevant model comprising both types of cells, osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Having that in mind, this work proposes the development of a 3D in vitro system composed of human bone marrow derived osteoblasts and osteoclasts within Gellan Gum (GG) spongy-like hydrogels combined with hydroxyapatite (HAp) [1,2], aiming the development of a realistic 3D-bone tissue model. As preliminary results, GG-HAp spongy-like hydrogels were able to support the attachment and spreading of human osteoblasts. Overall, the development of a 3D microenvironment using human bone marrow derived osteoblasts and osteoclasts will potentiate a better understanding of osteogenesis and pathogenesis of several bone disorders, as osteoporosis, shedding important findings on the development of new therapeutic approaches.