Menachery A., Burt J., Chappell S., Errington R.J., Morris D., Smith P.J., Wiltshire M., Furon E., Pethig R.
Bangor University, UK
Keywords: dielectrophoresis, lung cancer
In this study, the ability of Dielectrophoresis (DEP) to recognize phenotypic variants of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) cells has been tested. The phenotypic variations of the SCLC cells are associated with the cell-surface decoration provided by the a-2, 8-linked polysialic acid (PSA) and the neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) which in turn can be linked to the adherent and mobile behavior of these cells. This surface decoration provides the cells with anti adhesive properties which allow for detachment from the primary tumor which in turn allows for the metastatic spread of such tumors. Dielectrophoretic separation chambers were used to sort the phenotypes and the enriched fractions were then replated into a 96 multi-well plate to determine their innate phenotypic behavior. This work has shown that phenotype expression possibly linked to cell surface decoration leads to subtle changes in the DEP characteristics, providing a novel cytometric tool for the analysis, identification and monitoring of tumour heterogeneity.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 3, Nanotechnology 2008: Microsystems, Photonics, Sensors, Fluidics, Modeling, and Simulation – Technical Proceedings of the 2008 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show, Volume 3
Published: June 1, 2008
Pages: 386 - 389
Industry sectors: Medical & Biotech | Sensors, MEMS, Electronics
Topic: Micro & Bio Fluidics, Lab-on-Chip
ISBN: 978-1-4200-8505-1