Microfabricated Channels for Study of Colon Cancer Cells

  This project is a cell mechanics study, which continues the cellular adhesion and detachment studies performed by Cecile Perrault and Melissa Delaney in collaboration with the University of Illinois Gastroenterology Department.  Cecile is running experiments to show how specific colon cancer cell types adhere in a tumor.  Similarly, Melissa is running tests to characterize how the cell types detach from the tumor.  In contrast to these projects, which consist of cell culture, performing tests, and collecting data, my preference is to build a tool to study cell flow using bio-MEMS techniques.  The objective of this project is, using microfabrication, to design and create a system of microchannels to 

study the behavior of the cancer cell types as they travel through the capillary system post detachment.

        There are three ultimate goals for this project. The first goal is to design and fabricate a useful and working cell biology tool.  The second goal is to compare the behavior of normal cells and colon cancer cells as they flow through the microchannels to yield useful observational data for Dr. Benya's research group.  The third goal is to determine the effect of surface roughness on cell flow.  Two types of channels will be made.  One will have smooth side-walls and one will be patterned with bumps mimicking endothelial cells.

For more information:

Maiellaro, Kathryn.  Microfabricated silicon microchannels for cell rheology study.  Thesis. 2003.
Back to Research Page