Engineering of a biomimetic in vitro model for the development of

Develop a peptide amphiphile (PA)-protein composite hydrogel that can act as a tuneable ECM.
- Grow relevant tumour cells within the developed ECM to form functional cancer spheroids and tumour microenvironments.
- Integrate and assess functionality of the hydrogel within organ-on-chip devices.

Work plan description:

- Modulate the PA-protein interactions.
- Tailor the co-assembling system to optimize molecular concentration and mechanical properties.
- Conduct cell culture and co-culture (with relevant cell types) experiments to grow cancer spheroids.
- Assess functionality of the engineered tumour microenvironments.
- Incorporate the tumour microenvironments within organ-on-chips.
- Assess the functionality of the integrated devices.