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Updated: Jun 21, 2026
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Lab-on-a-CD Platform for Generating Multicellular Three-dimensional Spheroids
Published on: November 7, 2019
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Using microfluidic and conventional platforms to evaluate the effects of lanthanides on spheroid formation
Yu-Wen Cheng1, Yu-Chen Hsieh1, Yung-Shin Sun2
1Department of Agricultural Chemistry, National Taiwan University Taipei City 10617, Taiwan.
Toxicology
|September 2, 2024
Summary
Lanthanide elements show promise in cancer treatment by altering cancer cell spheroids. This study used microfluidic systems to investigate their effects on spheroid formation and cell mobility, offering a new drug screening approach.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biotechnology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Metastasis is a key factor in cancer mortality, driven by complex cellular mechanisms.
- Traditional 2D cell cultures lack the in vivo complexity and heterogeneity of tumors, limiting their drug screening utility.
- Three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures better mimic physiological conditions but can be time-consuming and costly.
Purpose of the Study:
- To enhance 3D cell culture techniques for high-throughput and sensitive drug screening using microfluidic systems.
- To investigate the effects of lanthanide elements on cancer cell spheroid formation and cell spreading.
- To explore lanthanide elements as potential agents in cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Development and utilization of microfluidic systems for advanced 3D cell culture.
- Culturing cancer cells in 3D spheroids within microfluidic devices.
- Treatment of spheroids with lanthanide elements and subsequent analysis of spheroid compactness and cell mobility.
Main Results:
- Lanthanide elements were found to alter the compactness of cancer cell spheroids.
- A decrease in cancer cell mobility was observed in the presence of lanthanide elements.
- The microfluidic system provided a sensitive platform for observing these effects.
Conclusions:
- Lanthanide elements exhibit potential in modulating cancer cell behavior relevant to metastasis.
- Microfluidic-enhanced 3D cell cultures offer a promising platform for efficient cancer drug discovery.
- Further research into lanthanide elements could lead to novel therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment.
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