Natural Biomaterials: An Essential Element for in vitro Disease Modeling

In-depth analysis of human diseases, specifically emergent noncommunicable ones, needs to be carried out to understand the molecular mechanism and develop sustainable therapeutics. Animals such as small rodents and canines are frequently used as models for clinical trials. However, recent evidence suggests the inappropriateness of such in vivo models for human diseases. A new class of humanrelevant platforms needs to be established to resolve the issues surrounding the failure of potential drug candidates over the last decades. The development of human-relevant in vitro models must abide by the 3R’s principles for biomedical research. Modeling diseased tissue requires appropriate matrices such as scaffold, hydrogel, electrospinning mats, and others to mimic the strength and mechanics of the tissue in question. Biodegradable biomaterials from natural sources such as plants and animals are already used widely for tissue engineering, and regenerative medicines can be repurposed to develop a human-relevant disease model. Here we will discuss the current status of such in vitro models for a few highly fatal non-communicable diseases like cardiomyopathy, cancer, neuropathy, and others.

Keywords: Biomaterials, Cancer, Cardiopathy, Disease modeling, Extracellular matrix, In vitro, Neuropathy, Nephropathy, NCDs, 3Rs.