170418 20260420103355.0 doi 10.1002/adhm.202505120 sideral 148863 ART-2026-148863 eng Guerrero-López, Paula Universidad de Zaragoza (orcid)0000-0003-3661-7718 Copper–Collagen Interactions Regulate the Mechanical and Invasive Properties of Tumor Spheroids 2026 Copper is a key trace element with established cytotoxic properties, yet its interactions with the extracellular matrix and their implications for the evolution of 3D culture models remain poorly understood. Here, we study how copper entrapped in collagen can regulate the structural and invasive properties of 3D tumor spheroids. Our findings reveal that copper influences cytoskeletal organization, protrusion dynamics, and epithelial–mesenchymal transitions. Interestingly, we also highlight its dual capacity to either suppress or enhance invasive behavior depending on the context of exposure. These results position copper as a context‐dependent modulator of tumor progression and underscore the importance of dose and timing in determining therapeutic outcomes. By integrating a physiologically relevant 3D model, this study provides new insights into copper–ECM interactions and identifies potential strategies to exploit them for cancer therapy. Access copy available to the general public Unrestricted info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/AEI/PID2023-148732NB-I00 info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/DGA/T50-23R info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/UZ-DGA/T57-23R info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/EC/H2020/742684/EU/Catalytic Dual-Function Devices Against Cancer/CADENCE This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement No H2020 742684-CADENCE info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/MICIU/CEX2023-001286-S info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess by https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/deed.es info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Garcia-Peiro, Jose I. Universidad de Zaragoza (orcid)0000-0003-4874-6672 Hornos, Felipe Hueso, Jose L. Universidad de Zaragoza (orcid)0000-0002-4546-4111 Santamaria, Jesus Universidad de Zaragoza (orcid)0000-0002-8701-9745 Garcia-Aznar, J. Manuel Universidad de Zaragoza (orcid)0000-0002-9864-7683 5005 555 Universidad de Zaragoza Dpto. Ing.Quím.Tecnol.Med.Amb. Área Ingeniería Química 2012 755 Universidad de Zaragoza Dpto. Química Física Área Química Física 5004 605 Universidad de Zaragoza Dpto. Ingeniería Mecánica Área Mec.Med.Cont. y Teor.Est. 5005 790 Universidad de Zaragoza Dpto. Ing.Quím.Tecnol.Med.Amb. Área Tecnologi. Medio Ambiente (2026), e05120 [12 pp.] Advanced healthcare materials ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS 2192-2640 1951715 http://zaguan.unizar.es/record/170418/files/texto_completo.pdf Versión publicada 2351631 http://zaguan.unizar.es/record/170418/files/texto_completo.jpg?subformat=icon icon Versión publicada oai:zaguan.unizar.es:170418 articulos driver 2026-04-18-10:49:12 ARTICLE