Drug Discovery in the Third Dimension: 3D Hydrogels Emulate the Tissue Microenvironment by Professor Molly S. Shoichet

MSE Distinguished Speaker Series 2026 hosted by Professor Ng Kee Woei

Abstract

Drug discovery in cancer typically involves screening cells grown on 2-dimensional, hard plastic dishes; however, since human tissue is neither 2D nor plastic, this environment does not sufficiently emulate human disease. To overcome this limitation, we designed hydrogels for 3-dimensional cell culture with the goal of screening cells in an environment that mimics that of native tissue. 
 
With 3D cell culture, we gain an understanding of both cell invasion and cell viability, thereby providing insights that are inherently limited with traditional 2D cell culture.  To achieve a suitable environment, we synthesized hyaluronan-based hydrogels because hyaluronan is often over-expressed in invasive tumours. We include MMP-degradable peptides and viscoelasticity to enable active and ameboid-like cell invasion. 
 
Using well-defined hyaluronan-based hydrogels, we investigate invasion in the context of breast cancer, brain cancer, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and a rare lung disease and their response to different therapeutic treatments. Ultimately, our goal is to identify new drugs for the treatment of cancer.

Biography

Professor Molly S. Shoichet
Chemical Engineering & Applied Chemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Donnelly Centre
University of Toronto

Molly Shoichet is University Professor, Pamela & Paul Austin Chair in Precision and Regenerative Medicine, and Scientific Director of Precision Medicine (PRiME) and BioHubNet at the University of Toronto. Shoichet served as Ontario’s first Chief Scientist in 2018. She has published 850+ papers, patents, abstracts, given 600 lectures worldwide and graduated 300+ researchers. Her research is focused on drug and cell delivery strategies in the central nervous system (brain, spinal cord, retina), 3D hydrogel culture systems to model cancer and colloidal drug aggregates. Shoichet co-founded four spin-off companies, is actively engaged in translational research and science outreach. She is the recipient of many prestigious distinctions – NSERC Herzberg Gold Medal (top prize in science in Canada), Fellow of the Royal Society (UK), National Academy of Engineering (US), and all three of Canada’s National Academies of Science, Engineering and Health Sciences.