Microfluidic Platform Enables Control Of Tumor Shapes

November 18th, 2024 | Technology

Researchers have developed a groundbreaking microfluidic platform, ReSCUE, that offers unprecedented control over the shape and behavior of tumoroids, 3D cell cultures that mimic real tumors. This innovation opens new avenues for cancer research, particularly in understanding the impact of tumor shape on cancer cell behavior and aggressiveness.

While traditional cancer research often focuses on spherical tumor models, real-world tumors exhibit diverse shapes. By manipulating the shape of tumoroids, researchers can investigate how different geometries influence cell proliferation, migration, and drug response. This knowledge can lead to more personalized and effective cancer treatments.

The ReSCUE platform provides several key advantages:

Recoverability: Tumoroids can be easily recovered from the device for downstream analysis, such as genetic sequencing or drug sensitivity testing.

Shape Control: Researchers can create tumoroids in various shapes, including spherical, elongated, and U-shaped, to mimic different types of tumors.

Biomimetic Environment: The platform utilizes a biomimetic hydrogel, EKGel, that supports the growth and organization of cancer cells in a way that closely resembles natural tissue.

By studying tumoroids of different shapes, researchers have discovered that positive curvature, where the tumor surface curves outward, can promote increased cell activity and proliferation. This finding suggests that tumor shape may play a significant role in tumor aggressiveness and metastasis.

This microfluidic platform has the potential to revolutionize cancer research by providing a powerful tool for studying tumor biology and drug response. The platform can be used to develop even more realistic and predictive cancer models by incorporating additional features, such as vascular networks.

As researchers continue to explore the impact of tumor shape on cancer behavior, this innovative technology offers hope for developing more effective cancer therapies.

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