Microfluidics in cell and tissue studies

Abstract

The central challenge inherent to conventional cell culture systems in general and tumor systems in particular is that any but the most rudimentary studies requires an enormous amount of infrastructure and handling capabilities to investigate numerous, interdependent variables in discrete samples. In addition, analysis of outcomes is both separate and potentially challenging. Significant strides have been made to address both of these challenges through the use of microfluidic technologies and cell culture techniques toward the goal of an integrated delivery and assessment platform that recapitulates in vivo conditions. Here, we review microfluidic approaches that enable the study of cells and cell culture, with specific applications to cancer cells and tumor organoids.