TU Eindhoven Innovates with Cancer-on-a-Chip Technology
Eindhoven, Friday, 11 April 2025.
TU Eindhoven researchers, led by Mohammad Jouybar, advance cancer-on-a-chip technology, simulating tumor behavior to improve cancer research, drug testing, and personalized treatment strategies.
Revolutionary Approach to Cancer Research
The cancer-on-a-chip technology developed at TU Eindhoven represents a significant advancement in understanding cancer behavior at the cellular level. Led by biomedical engineer Mohammad Jouybar, the research focuses on creating detailed models that mimic blood vessels and surrounding tissue, providing a more ethical and cost-effective alternative to traditional animal testing [1]. The technology utilizes sophisticated microfluidic systems to replicate the intricate environment where cancer cells develop and spread [1].
Innovative Technical Design
The research team has successfully fabricated circular cross-section channels that accurately simulate human blood vessels, allowing researchers to study how cancer cells interact with blood and lymphatic vessel cells under varying conditions [1]. This breakthrough enables scientists to observe the metastatic process, which Jouybar emphasizes is not a single event but rather a cascading series of cellular activities [1]. The team has particularly focused on breast cancer (ductal carcinoma in situ) due to its prevalence and suitability for studying metastatic processes [1].
Advanced Manufacturing Techniques
The development process incorporates cutting-edge manufacturing methods, including femtosecond lasers and 3D sugar printing, to create sophisticated models that include blood vessels, breast ducts, and surrounding tissue structures [1]. This innovative approach allows researchers to study how various cell types, including fibroblasts and lymphatic vessel cells, influence cancer cell movement and behavior [1]. The technology marks a significant step forward in understanding the fundamental mechanisms of cancer development and progression [1].
Future Implications for Cancer Treatment
The research conducted at TU Eindhoven aligns with broader developments in the field, where microfluidic devices are increasingly being used to study complex host-microbe-cancer interactions [4]. This technology shows particular promise in developing more effective, personalized treatment approaches by allowing researchers to study how different types of cancer cells respond to various therapeutic interventions [1][4]. The advancement represents a crucial step toward more precise and effective cancer treatments, potentially revolutionizing how researchers approach drug development and testing [1].