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The novel microfluidic device enables fast and inexpensive testing of the genomic DNA of cancer cells.
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Description This novel microfluidic device provides a platform for capturing cancer cells and isolating the genomic DNA for specific amplification and sequence analysis, enabling physicians to use precision medicine in treating cancer. Abstract Individual cancer cells contain vast combinations of genetic mutations that result in numerous mechanisms for malignancy and have a tremendous impact on the efficacy of treatment. Identification of specific key mutations of a patient’s cancer cells in a timely and cost-effective way would allow clinicians to prescribe the most effective treatment for that individual patient. In addition, cancer cells constantly evolve and mutate, and regular testing of multiple important genes is beneficial for monitoring disease progression and determining future treatment. The device and method developed by Cornell University researchers enables fast and inexpensive testing of the genomic DNA of cancer cells. The novel microfluidic device captures cancer cells and isolates the genomic DNA for specific amplification and sequence analysis. To filter for specific cancer cells, a sample of cells travels through a microfluidic channel into a micropillar array region. While flowing through the micropillar array, nucleic acid aptamers immobilized on the surface of the microfluidic channel bind to the desired cells and capture them within the micropillar array. Once captured, the cells are lysed chemically via a second microfluidic channel that flows perpendicular to the first channel through the first micropillar array. The genomic DNA is captured downstream in the second microfluidic channel in an additional, denser micropillar array region. The isolated cancer cell genomic template DNA is retained through multiple consecutive rounds of isothermal amplification and different individual genes can be amplified separately. An inexpensive sequencing approach can then be used to identify any mutations. This approach offers a way to monitor multiple genetic mutations in the same small population of cells, and requires very few cells to be extracted from the patient sample. Potential Applications Identification of specific cancer cell gene mutations for precision medicine and tailored treatment Advantages Cost-effective, fast genetic sequencing Single, integrated device that captures selected cells and isolates DNA