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URC 2023 Abstract

Keren Nuñez

Isolation and cell size profiling of Circulating Tumor Cells using microfluidic devices

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are from primary tumor sites that have entered the bloodstream and can attach to different organs and grow tumors, which can lead to metastasis and further progression of the cancer. CTCs are found at low numbers in the blood, but, nonetheless, still pose a threat to metastasizing the cancer. Microfluidic devices are essential in analyzing and understanding the development and metastasis of circulating tumor cells (CTCs). The purpose of the project is to isolate and identify CTCs subtypes using microfluidic chips. The microfluidic devices are modified using a layer by layer technique with biodegradable polymers, made with assembly of Polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride (PDDA) and biotin-modified alginate (BALG) layers. Antibodies specific to the cancer are conjugated in the device. Using EPCAM expressing cancer cells spiked in blood we were able to capture and identify the CTCs. Image analysis is done on the captured CTCs by using COMSOL software. The objective of this research was to determine whether there is a difference in cell size between the locations examined. However, through our analysis, we found no significant variation in cell size between the locations examined. These results suggest that cell size was consistent throughout the microdevice.

Presenter: 297

Keren Nuñez Senior College of Arts & Sciences Texas Tech University Affiliations: Honors College Undergraduate Research Scholars

Abstract: D297

Impact Area: Health

Session: D - Wed. April 2, 1:00 PM, TTU Museum Sculpture Garden

Project Author(s)

Keren Nuñez, Hesaneh Ahmadi, Wei Li

Mentor

Wei Li Chemical Engineering TTU Edward E. Whitacre Jr. College of Engineering