Negative depletion mediated brightfield circulating tumour cell identification strategy on microparticle-based...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Cancer Diagnostics
• Microfluidics

Background:

• Direct analysis of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) via bright field microscopy is convenient but limited by the absence of universal markers.
• Existing methods hinder comprehensive study of CTC morphology, phenotype, and function, restricting clinical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an automated, convenient negative depletion strategy for CTC identification using bright field microscopy.
• To enable direct distinction and analysis of heterogeneous CTCs while preserving their properties.

Main Methods:

• Immune microparticles (IMPs) were employed for negative labeling of white blood cells, allowing direct visualization of tumor cells.
• A wedge-shaped microfluidic chip was designed for size-based pre-purification and enrichment of CTCs, reducing hematological cell interference.
• Automated cell treatment and analysis using custom software facilitated rapid CTC counting and distinction.

Main Results:

• The strategy achieved high detection efficiency and automation for CTC identification.
• Tumor cells were directly distinguishable under bright field microscopy, retaining heterogeneous properties.
• The method demonstrated excellent compatibility with other cell identification techniques.

Conclusions:

• The developed identification strategy is simple, harmless to tumor cells, and offers high accuracy and efficiency.
• Low equipment requirements and high automation suggest broad applicability in basic medical institutions.
• This approach promises to advance CTC analysis and clinical utility.