The image depicts a typical tumor spheroid (model for cancer) cultured within a bed of 3D micro-capillaries. The presence of the tumor contributes to increased cell death and reduced vessel density in its proximity, demonstrating the difficulty in effective transport of chemotherapeutic drugs in this complex microenvironment.

We are interested in developing in vitro models for investigating how changes in the microenvironment (via the presence of cells or mechanical cues) impact endothelial function, and vice-versa how the endothelium regulates drug transport in normal and diseased microenvironments.