The effects of macroporosity and stiffness of poly[(methyl vinyl ether)-alt-(maleic acid)] cross-linked egg white simulations of an aged extracellular matrix on the proliferation of ovarian cancer cells

Ageing and remodelling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) leads to enzyme activation, resulting in a fibrotic microenvironment and fluctuating ECM stiffness. In this study, prepared egg white (EW) cross-linked with poly[(methyl vinyl ether)-alt-(maleic acid)] (P(MVE-alt-MA)) with macroporous structures were used to simulate an aged extracellular matrix that affected the malignant behaviour of cancer cells at different stages. Increased macroporosity and stiffness properties clearly enhanced the proliferation of cancer cells. In other words, different levels of EW cross-linking had different effects on cell malignancy, thereby determining the ability and speed of cell migration in scaffolds. The study showed that porosity and stiffness changes in the matrix were possible mechanisms for cancer cell invasion and metastasis besides blood vessels and lymphatic invasion in human body. P(MVE-alt-MA)-cross-linked EW contained a major component of ECM and provided a useful model to evaluate the proliferation and metastasis of cancer cells in vitro. This has important significance when it comes to exploring the effects of the material microenvironment on tumour prevention and treatment.