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
Center for Transformative Undergraduate Experiences
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Address
TrUE, Drane Hall #239, MS 1010 -
Phone
806.742.1095 -
Email
true@ttu.edu