RESUMO
Solid tumors represent the most common type of cancer in humans and are classified into sarcomas, lymphomas, and carcinomas based on the originating cells. Among these, carcinomas, which arise from epithelial and glandular cells lining the body's tissues, are the most prevalent. Around the world, a significant increase in the incidence of solid tumors is observed during recent years. In this context, efforts to discover more effective cancer treatments have led to a deeper understanding of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and its components. Currently, the interactions between cancer cells and elements of the TME are being intensely investigated. Remarkable progress in research is noted, largely owing to the development of advanced in vitro models, such as tumor-on-a-chip models that assist in understanding and ultimately discovering new effective treatments for a specific type of cancer. The purpose of this article is to provide a review of the TME and cancer cell components, along with the advances on tumor-on-a-chip models designed to mimic tumors, offering a perspective on the current state of the art. Recent studies using this kind of microdevices that reproduce the TME have allowed a better understanding of the cancer and its treatments. Nevertheless, current applications of this technology present some limitations that must be overcome to achieve a broad application by researchers looking for a deeper knowledge of cancer and new strategies to improve current therapies.
RESUMO
Damage generated due to low velocity impact in composite plates was evaluated focusing on the design and structural integrity of wind turbine blades. Impact properties of composite plates manufactured with thermoplastic and thermoset resins for different energy levels were measured and compared. Specimens were fabricated using VARTM (vacuum assisted resin transfer molding), using both matrix systems in conjunction with carbon, glass and carbon/glass hybrid fibers in the NCF (non-crimp fabric) architecture. Resin systems used were ELIUM 188O (thermoplastic) from Arkema Co., Ltd. and a standard epoxy reference, EPR-L20 from Hexion Co., Ltd. (thermoset). Auxiliary numerical finite element analyses were performed to better understand the tests physics. These models were then compared with the experimental results to verify their predictive capacity, given the intrinsic limitations due to their simplicity. Based in the presented results, it is possible to observe that ELIUM is capable to replace a conventional thermoset matrix. The thermoplastic panels presented similar results compared to its thermoset counterparts, with even a trend of less impact damage. Additionally, for both thermoplastic and thermoset resin systems, glass layups showed the lowest levels of damage while carbon panels presented the highest damage levels. Hybrid laminates can be applied as a compromise solution.