In-depth analysis of human diseases, specifically emergent noncommunicable ones, needs to be carried out to understand the molecular mechanism
and develop sustainable therapeutics. Animals such as small rodents and canines are
frequently used as models for clinical trials. However, recent evidence suggests the
inappropriateness of such in vivo models for human diseases. A new class of humanrelevant platforms needs to be established to resolve the issues surrounding the failure
of potential drug candidates over the last decades. The development of human-relevant
in vitro models must abide by the 3R’s principles for biomedical research. Modeling
diseased tissue requires appropriate matrices such as scaffold, hydrogel,
electrospinning mats, and others to mimic the strength and mechanics of the tissue in
question. Biodegradable biomaterials from natural sources such as plants and animals
are already used widely for tissue engineering, and regenerative medicines can be
repurposed to develop a human-relevant disease model. Here we will discuss the
current status of such in vitro models for a few highly fatal non-communicable diseases
like cardiomyopathy, cancer, neuropathy, and others.
Keywords: Biomaterials, Cancer, Cardiopathy, Disease modeling, Extracellular matrix, In vitro, Neuropathy, Nephropathy, NCDs, 3Rs.
