Nanoparticles and Microfluidic Devices in Cancer Research
F Raquel Maia1,2,3, Rui L Reis4,5,6, Joaquim M Oliveira4,5,6
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, Guimarães, Portugal. raquel.maia@i3bs.uminho.pt.
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|April 15, 2020
Summary
Nanotechnology offers promising cancer theranostics, but clinical translation is hindered by inadequate in vitro models. Microfluidic devices provide a more realistic tumor microenvironment for testing nanoparticle therapies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Nanotechnology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Cancer incidence is rising globally, necessitating advanced therapeutic strategies.
- Nanoparticle-based theranostics show promise for cancer treatment but face clinical translation challenges.
- Current in vitro models fail to replicate the complex tumor microenvironment, hindering nanoparticle therapy validation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review advances in microfluidic devices for creating realistic tumor models.
- To highlight the potential of microfluidics in overcoming barriers to nanoparticle drug delivery.
- To discuss the translation of microfluidic-based cancer research to clinical applications.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing microfluidic devices to engineer complex, tissue-mimicking architectures.
- Designing in vitro models that incorporate physiological barriers like vasculature and interstitial pressure.
- Investigating nanoparticle delivery and therapeutic efficacy within these advanced microfluidic systems.
Main Results:
- Microfluidic devices can simulate key aspects of the tumor microenvironment, including physiological barriers.
- Complex microfluidic models demonstrate results comparable to in vivo animal studies.
- These systems facilitate more accurate prediction of nanoparticle behavior in a clinical setting.
Conclusions:
- Microfluidic devices are crucial for developing more predictive in vitro models for cancer nanotheranostics.
- This technology bridges the gap between in vitro testing and in vivo efficacy, accelerating clinical translation.
- Advances in microfluidics promise to expedite the development and validation of novel nanoparticle-based cancer therapies.
