Cell deformation in cancer metastasis: A BioMEMS based approach

Abstract

Here we report a BioMEMS based microfluidic device as a deformation assay to study the deformability and growth capability of cells through microgaps. The micro-gaps are ranging from 3νm to 30νm with three microchannels parallel to each other to mimic the blood vessel bio-microenvironment. Flow conditions in the device can be controlled to have an environment as similar to that in vivo as possible. We used osteoblast cells with approximate size of 30 νm as a model cell to study the deformation ability of this cell to migrate through the 3 νm gap. Such a device enabled us, for the first time to measure the cell deformation with ease. More importantly, we are able to observe the cellular responses to gaps present in the device and understand the mechanics behind the morphological change of the cells. © 2006 IOP Publishing Ltd.