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About us
The 3R-US network develops a versatile platform for drug testing as a substitute for animal experiments. With interdisciplinary partners in cell biology, biomedical engineering and oncology at the University of Stuttgart (Olayioye, Kontermann and Heymann labs) and the Robert Bosch Hospital (Aulitzky lab), 3R-US advances methods for cultivation of tumor tissues (ex vivo) and develops tumor models by 3D printing (de novo) that recapitulate the complexity of human tissues. The data derived from these approaches will further be used to establish and validate mathematical (in silico) patient-predictive models.
We are funded by the Ministry of Science, Research and the Arts (Ministerium für Wissenschaft, Forschung und Kunst - MWK) of the state of Baden-Württemberg with the aim to anchor the 3Rs principle (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement) into our research, teaching and training activities.
Focus on cancer
Most studies evaluating anti-cancer therapeutics proceed from human cell culture to preclinical cell line or patient derived mouse tumor models. These models poorly recapitulate the complexity, heterogeneity, and physiology of human tumors. 3R-US is therefore advancing methods that enable the long-term ex vivo cultivation of tumor tissues. New (targeted) therapeutics and combination therapies are evaluated in these tissue cultures to optimize treatment regimes.
We also use state-of-the-art 3D printing techniques, so-called de novo technology, to replicate human tissues, made from biomaterials and cells. By cultivating them in microfluidic systems we ensure a constant and gradual supply of nutrients and/or tested drugs.
Finally, the data derived from the ex vivo and de novo approaches will be used by simulation and mathematical modeling experts to create in silico tumor models that reliably predict therapy responses to anti-cancer drugs.
Our Research Team at the University of Stuttgart
Clinical Partners
Patient-derived tumor tissue models - Walter Aulitzky
Our 3R-US doctoral students at work!
News and Highlights
Contact us
Monilola Olayioye
Prof. Dr.3R-BioMedicUS Speaker
Raluca Tamas
Dr. rer. nat.3R-BioMedicUS Scientific Coordinator