Superhydrophobic device to model tumor progression

The study of metastasis – the leading cause of cancer-related deaths – has always been challenging due to the lack of accurate and scalable models. In response, researchers from Rice University have developed a zinc oxide-based culturing surface that mimics the superhydrophobic nature of the lotus leaf. The platform, called the Superhydrophobic Array Device (SHArD), provides a highly tunable environment for generating three-dimensional nanoscale tumor models. 

According to Dr. Michael King, bioengineer at Rice University and lead author of the study published in ACS Nano, "We hope this tool will unlock new knowledge about this problematic stage of the disease and help us identify ways to intervene in order to stop or prevent it from happening." 

Currently, clinicians use blood samples containing circulating tumor cells (CTCs) to study metastasis. However, this method, often referred to as a "liquid biopsy," faces limitations because of the scarcity of detectable cancer cell clusters in a single blood sample. These cells, especially when traveling alone, are vulnerable to destruction by the body's immune system.  

However, cancer cells traveling in clusters are more likely to evade these defenses and establish themselves in other parts of the body. By offering a reliable way to culture these cell clusters in a laboratory setting, SHArD promises to enhance our understanding of both primary tumors and metastatic processes. 

SHArD replicates the superhydrophobic properties of the lotus leaf by combining nanoscale roughness with a hydrophobic layer, creating a surface that repels water and allows cancer cells to grow in carefully controlled environments. The system includes a microwell grid with precisely sized compartments to accommodate cancer cell clusters, enabling researchers to study tumor progression in a highly controlled manner. 

Initially designed to culture primary tumor models, SHArD can also be adapted for metastatic clusters, making it a versatile tool for cancer research.  

The SHArD system is accessible to other research labs with clean room access, allowing for easy replication and customization to meet specific research needs. “SHArD is ready to use in biomedical research,” said Carter. “Any lab with clean room access can follow our protocols and create versions of this platform that meet the exact needs of their specific research projects.” 

Supported by the National Institutes of Health (CA203991), this new tool has the potential to advance our understanding of metastasis and primary tumor progression. SHArD's successful development highlights its ability to expand the current toolkit for cancer research, opening new avenues for studying tumor clusters and their role in cancer spread. 

MEDICA-tradefair.com; Source: Rice University