Disease-on-a-chip: mimicry of tumor growth in mammary ducts

Pierre-Alexandre Vidi, Purdue University
Teimour Maleki, Purdue University, Birck Nanotechnology Center
Manuel Ochoa, Purdue University, Birck Nanotechnology Center
Lei Wang, Purdue University
Sara M. Clark, Purdue University
James F. Leary, Purdue University, Birck Nanotechnology Center
Sophie A. Lelievre, Purdue University

Abstract

We present a disease-on-a-chip model in which cancer grows within phenotypically normal breast luminal epithelium on semicircular acrylic support mimicking portions of mammary ducts. The cells from tumor nodules developing within these hemichannels are morphologically distinct from their counterparts cultured on flat surfaces. Moreover, tumor nodules cocultured with the luminal epithelium in hemichannels display a different anticancer drug sensitivity compared to nodules cocultured with the luminal epithelium on a flat surface and to monocultures of tumor nodules. The mimicry of tumor development within the epithelial environment of mammary ducts provides a framework for the design and test of anticancer therapies.

Discipline(s)

Nanoscience and Nanotechnology