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Microfluidic Device for Recreating a Tumor Microenvironment in Vitro
Published on: November 20, 2011
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Oil-Free Acoustofluidic Droplet Generation for Multicellular Tumor Spheroid Culture
Jacqueline A De Lora1, Frank A Fencl1, Aidira D Y Macias Gonzalez1
1Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering and Center for Biomedical Engineering, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131,United States.
ACS Applied Bio Materials
|January 13, 2022
Summary
Researchers developed a simple microfluidic system using acoustics to create multicellular tumor spheroids (MTSs). This method enables rapid 3D cell culture and tumor spheroid formation for research applications.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Microfluidics
- 3D Cell Culture
Background:
- Multicellular tumor spheroids (MTSs) are crucial for cancer research.
- Current methods for MTS fabrication can be complex and time-consuming.
- A need exists for simplified, efficient platforms for MTS generation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present an easy-to-assemble microfluidic system for synthesizing cell-loaded hydrogel spheres.
- To utilize an aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) for templated fabrication of MTSs.
- To enable rapid initiation of MTSs for subsequent 3D cell culture.
Main Methods:
- An acoustofluidic system using an audio speaker and waveform generator was employed.
- Aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) droplets were formed within microcapillary fluidic devices.
- Extensions of Plateau-Rayleigh theory guided the acoustofluidic droplet formation parameters.
Main Results:
- Successfully synthesized cell-loaded dextran/alginate (DEX/ALG) hydrogel spheres.
- Demonstrated acoustofluidic ATPS droplet formation for MTS templating.
- Established a simple droplet microfluidic approach for MTS initiation.
Conclusions:
- The developed microfluidic system offers a straightforward method for MTS fabrication.
- Off-the-shelf acoustic components facilitate rapid MTS initiation and 3D cell culture.
- This acoustofluidic approach simplifies the generation of multicellular tumor spheroids.
