Flow-Induced Transport of Tumor Cells in a Microfluidic Capillary Network: Role of Friction and Repeated Deformation.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in microcirculation undergo significant deformation and frictional interactions within microcapillaries. To understand the physical parameters governing their flow-induced transport, we studied the pressure-driven flow of cancer cells in a microfluidic model of a capillary network.

Methods

Our microfluidic device contains an array of parallel constrictions separated by regions where cells can repetitively deform and relax. To characterize the transport behavior, we measured the entry time, transit time, and shape deformation of tumor cells as they squeeze through the network.

Results

We found that entry and transit times of cells are much lower after repetitive deformation as their elongated shape enables easy transport in s

SUBMITTER: Kamyabi N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6816673 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature