All the basic components required to run the SynTumor assay can be purchased in a kit format. Depending on individual research needs you can select from the “idealized” or “microvascular” configurations of the SynTumor chip. All accessories including tubing, clamps, needles and syringes are included. Starter kits will also include the pneumatic priming device (required for running SynTumor assays).
Endothelial cells and 3D spheroids of cervical tumor cells were co-cultured in the SynTumor model. Two different gene delivery nanopolymers were evaluated for their efficiencies to deliver GFP gene using both direct and vascular injection routes. In contrast to static well plate assays, SynTumor model was successful in predicting the in vivo responses of both the nanopolymers.
SynVivo and in vivo response show that both the nanopolymers labeled A and B transfect the core of the tumor with uniform GFP expression following direct injection. In contrast, vascular injection route in SynVivo shows uniform transfection of the tumors only for nanopolymer labeled A matching the observed results in vivo.
3D culture of endothelial cells and breast cancer cells were evaluated for their viability following treatment with chemotherapeutic drugs. SynTumor model demonstrated significant differences in drug responses under static conditions compared to perfusion and diffusion based modes of interaction commonly observed in vivo.
Differences between vascular diffusion and perfusion experiments on tumor and endothelial cell viability. Vascular flow and diffusion allows formation of necrotic core similar to in vivo.
Plot of viable cells for the two different modes of drug exposure compared to classical well plate studies. Results from well plate studies over predict the efficacy responses.
There are many areas of oncology research that can benefit by using the SynTumor model. These include (1) basic research for understanding of the tumor microenvironment comprising of cell viability, proliferation, invasion and tumor-stromal and tumor-endothelium interactions; and (2) drug delivery screening for efficacy and toxicity.
Cancer metastasis is a multi-step process that starts with the cancer cells leaving the original tumor site and migrating to distant parts of the body via the bloodstream or the lymphatic system.
This process involves complex steps, including breaking of the extracellular matrix by the metastatic tumor cells, escape into the circulatory system, adhesion to the vascular wall at remote locations, followed by migration/invasion into tissue and subsequent proliferation.
SynVivo provides the realistic microenvironment to allow real time study of these phenomena.
The tumor-endothelium co-culture mimics the tumor microenvironment and in this example captures degradation of the extracellular matrices by the aggressive tumor toward the vasculature channels, a precursor to extravasion and metastasis.
Monitor in real-time tumor cells phenotypic behavior. A metastatic tumor rapidly spread to adjacent chambers (left) while non-metastatic tumor does not (right). Inset image shows stained images highlighting elongated protrusions for metastatic tumor in contrast to localized for non-metastatic tumor. Use this assay to screen tumor cell populations for their metastatic potential.
Drugs or delivery vehicles (nanoparticles, polymers, liposomes, etc.) can be injected via the vascular channel or directly on the tumor under both static and physiological fluid flow conditions and their responses can be observed in real-time mimicking the in vivo conditions.