ABSTRACT
RESUMEN Objetivo: desarrollar un sistema microfluídico (lab-on-a-chip) para la detección de células tumorales circulantes de cáncer de mama (CTCs). Materiales y métodos: se diseñó el dispositivo en 3D y se fabricó usando fotolitografía suave y una cortadora láser. Se evaluó el funcionamiento del sistema y del arreglo magnético usando células Jurkat y células de cáncer de mama que poseen diferente expresión de los marcadores superficiales CD45 y EpCAM. Los anticuerpos contra los marcadores fueron unidos a perlas magnéticas. Adicionalmente se usaron nanopartículas de hierro para evaluar su atrapamiento. Resultados: las nanopartículas lograron atraparse de manera significativa en el área propuesta por el modelamiento de campos magnéticos. Las células tumorales marcadas con los anticuerpos magnéticos quedaron atrapadas. Conclusiones: se logró fabricar un lab-on-a-chip capaz de atrapar CTCs generando una excelente herramienta de diagnóstico y de análisis de la progresión de la enfermedad.
ABSTRACT Objective. to develop a microfluidic system (lab-on-a-chip) for detecting circulating breast cancer tumor cells. Materials and methods . the device was designed using 3D technology, and it was manufactures using soft photolithography and a laser cutting machine. The system performance and its magnetic settings were assessed using Jurkat cells and breast cancer cells that show different expression of CD45 and EpCAM surface markers. Antibodies against these markers were bound to magnetic pellets. Additionally, iron nanoparticles were used for assessing their entrapment. Results . nanoparticles were significantly trapped in the area set by magnetic field modeling. Tumor cells labeled with magnetic antibodies became trapped. Conclusions . we were able to manufacture a lab-on-a-chip system that is capable to trap circulating breast cancer tumor cells, which may become an excellent tool for diagnosis and follow-up for this condition.