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Updated: Feb 3, 2026
07:19
Protocol for Biofilm Streamer Formation in a Microfluidic Device with Micro-pillars
Published on: August 20, 2014
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Formation of size-controllable tumour spheroids using a microfluidic pillar array (μFPA) device
Wanyoung Lim1, Hong-Hoa Hoang, Daeun You
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Korea.
The Analyst
|November 1, 2018
Summary
A microfluidic pillar array device enables uniform spheroid generation for reliable cancer drug testing. This method improves control over spheroid size, enhancing the accuracy of drug response monitoring in various cancer cells, including patient-derived cells.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biotechnology
- Microfluidics
Background:
- Spheroids mimic tumor microenvironments but lack size control, leading to variable drug responses.
- Conventional spheroid culture methods present challenges in achieving consistent results for anticancer drug screening.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a microfluidic pillar array (μFPA) device for generating uniform cancer spheroids.
- To establish a reliable method for monitoring drug responses in various cancer cell types, including patient-derived cancer cells (PDCs).
Main Methods:
- Utilized a microfluidic device with precisely spaced pillars to generate hundreds of cancer spheroids.
- Cultured glioma (U87, U251) and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) primary cells in the μFPA device.
- Quantified drug responses by measuring spheroid size changes in response to varying drug concentrations.
Main Results:
- The μFPA device produced approximately 300 uniform U87 glioma spheroids (175-225 μm) within 3 days.
- Spheroids exhibited increased resistance to doxorubicin compared to monolayer cells, with higher CD133 and nuclear HIF-1α expression.
- Drug responses for U251 spheroids and TNBC PDCs were successfully quantified using the μFPA device.
Conclusions:
- The μFPA device is a powerful platform for generating uniform cancer spheroids.
- This method facilitates accurate monitoring of drug responses in diverse cancer cell models, including PDCs.
- The μFPA device holds significant potential for advancing personalized cancer therapy and drug development.
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