Next Generation Organ-on-Chip System for Directional Control of Culture Conditions and Metabolic Monitoring of Tumor Organoids

摘要

In vitro replica of 3D heterogeneous tumor systems are essential models on the path towards personalized chemotherapy in cancer research. Here, we present an organ-on-chip platform with integrated microelectrodes enabling online-monitoring of culture conditions and metabolic parameters of patient-derived, triple-negative breast cancer stem cells. Tumor organoids grow in compartments separated by microfluidic channels, permitting the generation of oxygen and drug gradients as seen in real tumors. Besides the electrochemical analysis, e.g. for oxygen or lactate, the transparent chip also allows characterization with optical methods. Such in situ monitoring systems bear a high potential for replacing animal models in drug research.