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Microfluidic Tandem Mechanical Sorting System for Enhanced Cancer Stem Cell Isolation and Ingredient Screening
Yuanyuan Jia1, Peiliang Shen1, Tao Yan1
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
A new microfluidic system efficiently isolates cancer stem cells (CSCs) using mechanical properties. This method identifies isoliquiritigenin as a compound that inhibits CSCs, aiding drug discovery for cancer resistance.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cancer Biology
- Microfluidics
Background:
- Robust isolation of cancer stem cells (CSCs) is crucial for understanding tumor heterogeneity and developing targeted therapies.
- Microfluidic systems utilizing cell mechanics offer label-free, high-throughput sorting based on deformability and adhesion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a microfluidic tandem mechanical sorting system for enriching cancer stem cells (CSCs).
- To investigate the stemness and metastatic potential of sorted CSCs.
- To utilize the system for screening bioactive compounds targeting CSCs.
Main Methods:
- Development of a microfluidic system with sequentially variable microbarriers and surface-coated fluid mixing microchannels.
- Hydrodynamic forces used to drive cancer cells through the sorting devices.
- In vitro and in vivo assays to assess stem cell-like properties and metastatic capacity.
- Screening of natural compounds for inhibition of CSC phenotype.
Main Results:
- The microfluidic tandem system successfully enriched CSCs with high flexibility and low adhesion.
- Sorted CSCs demonstrated enhanced stemness and metastasis capacity compared to single-device separation.
- Isoliquiritigenin, a natural compound from licorice, was identified as a potent inhibitor of the lung cancer stem cell phenotype.
Conclusions:
- The developed microfluidic tandem mechanical sorting system effectively isolates and enriches cancer stem cells.
- This system facilitates the screening of therapeutic compounds, such as isoliquiritigenin, for targeting CSCs and overcoming drug resistance.
- The platform aids in analyzing signals regulating CSC function and drug resistance.
