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Colorectal tumor-on-a-chip system: A 3D tool for precision onco-nanomedicine

M R Carvalho1,2,3, D Barata4, L M Teixeira5

  • 13B's Research Group, I3Bs-Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017 Barco, Guimarães, Portugal.

Science Advances
|May 28, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Researchers developed a novel tumor-on-a-chip model to test precision nanomedicine delivery. This microfluidic platform accurately assesses nanoparticle drug efficacy, paving the way for personalized cancer treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Nanotechnology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Traditional 2D in vitro and animal models inadequately represent complex 3D tissue structures, limiting clinical translation.
  • Microfluidic 'on-chip' models offer biomimetic microenvironments to better mimic in vivo pathophysiology.
  • There is a need for advanced models to evaluate precision nanomedicine efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop and validate a "tumor-on-a-chip" model for assessing precision nanomedicine delivery.
  • To evaluate the efficacy of drug-loaded nanoparticles using a gradient system.
  • To analyze the impact of nanomedicine on gene expression within the tumor model.

Main Methods:

  • A microfluidic "tumor-on-a-chip" platform was engineered.
  • Drug-loaded nanoparticles (CMCht/PAMAM) were applied in a gradient fashion.
  • Cell viability assays with live imaging and gene expression analysis (MMP-1, Caspase-3, Ki-67) were performed for validation.

Main Results:

  • The model successfully demonstrated a dose-response effect of nanoparticles on cell viability.
  • Live imaging confirmed the efficacy of drug-loaded nanoparticles.
  • Gene expression analysis revealed down-regulation of MMP-1, Caspase-3, and Ki-67.

Conclusions:

  • The "tumor-on-a-chip" model effectively validates precision nanomedicine delivery.
  • This platform supports personalized treatment strategies by assessing nanomedicine efficacy.
  • The model represents a significant advancement in preclinical drug development for cancer.

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