An efficient method for CTCs screening with excellent operability by integrating Parsortix™-like cell separation chip...

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Oncology
• Microfluidics

Background:

• Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are crucial biomarkers for cancer detection and monitoring.
• Existing methods for CTC isolation often face challenges in efficiency, speed, and operability.
• Microfluidic devices offer potential for improved cell separation and analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an efficient and highly operable microfluidic chip for screening circulating tumor cells (CTCs).
• To optimize the selective size amplification technique for enhancing CTC detection.
• To establish a practical method for CTC screening by integrating chip technology and size amplification.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a Parsortix™-like cell separation chip with enhanced lateral fluid flow for increased blood processing rate.
• Development of an air valve-controlled injection pump enabling simultaneous operation of eight chips, significantly reducing processing time.
• Utilization of selective size amplification to increase the size and hardness of CTCs, facilitating their differentiation from blood cells.

Main Results:

• The custom-manufactured microfluidic chip demonstrated efficient lateral fluid flow, improving blood treatment throughput.
• The simultaneous operation of eight chips via the developed injection pump system substantially accelerated the blood processing workflow.
• Optimization of bead modification for selective size amplification improved the distinction and recovery of CTCs.

Conclusions:

• The integration of a Parsortix™-like chip with selective size amplification provides a practical and efficient method for CTC screening.
• This approach enhances the operability and speed of CTC detection, offering a valuable tool for cancer diagnostics.
• The optimized technique holds promise for advancing liquid biopsy applications in oncology.