Integrating extracellular matrix-mimicking layers in microfluidic devices: More control over the tumor microenvironment

A challenge in studying cancer invasion is to understand the interaction between cancer cells and the extracellular matrix (ECM). Although the ECM influences cancer invasion, it is still unclear how its properties contribute to the process. Here, we present a new microfabrication method to integrate ECM-mimicking matrix layers between two microchannels. Using this chip, we have observed that the invasion distance of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells into 3D Polycaprolactone matrices and the general cell morphology are not affected by the ECM fiber diameter. The cells however produce longer and more protrusions in the matrix with smaller fiber size