Tumor-On-A-Chip Models for Predicting In Vivo Nanoparticle Behavior

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Cancer Research

Background:

• Nanosized drug formulations are crucial for improving cancer therapy.
• Predicting in vivo nanoparticle (NP) behavior is complex due to the tumor microenvironment (TME).
• Microfluidic tumor-on-a-chip models offer advanced in vitro testing for NP targeting.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the state-of-the-art microfluidic tumor-on-a-chip models for investigating nanoparticle delivery to solid tumors.
• To classify these models based on compartmentalization and cell composition.
• To critically evaluate their physiological relevance in simulating the TME.

Main Methods:

• Description of the tumor microenvironment (TME).
• Classification of microfluidic tumor-on-a-chip models (single/multi-compartment, tumor only/TME).
• Critical evaluation of the physiological relevance of existing models.

Main Results:

• Microfluidic tumor-on-a-chip models significantly improve TME simulation compared to 2D cultures and static 3D spheroids.
• These models enhance the understanding of nanoparticle behavior in a tumor context.
• The impact of protein corona and phagocytosis on NP delivery requires further investigation.

Conclusions:

• Microfluidic tumor-on-a-chip systems represent a significant advancement for in vitro cancer research.
• Further refinement is needed, focusing on understanding the role of protein corona and phagocytosis for enhanced predictive capacity.
• These models are vital for advancing nanoparticle-based cancer therapies.