Abstract:

An analytical method was established for dynamic detection of microenvironment acidification in a breast cancer cell model based on microfluidic chips. A multilayer hybrid microfluidic chip was designed. When the suspension of the breast cancer cells entered the chips the hydrogel grids would become skeleton for 3D cultures. Continuous perfusion in microfluidic chip channels was used to mimic blood flow in vivo. And the non-electrochemical pH sensor was introduced into the chips to give the real-time changes of pH by image analysis. Cell viabilities, cell proliferations, lactic acid levels and pH values of cancer cells were detected to analyze microenvironment acidification, while comparing with the normal cells. Continuous perfusion for 7 d, the cell viability remained above 90%. With the increase of culturing days, the pH of the tumor microenvironment decreased gradually. The lower perfusion rates, the lower pH values, but the pH of the normal cells microenvironment had no obvious change. The microenvironment acidification detection platform of the microfluidic chip could detect microenvironment pH in real time, and it is a useful tool for cancer research.

Key words: acidification, breast cancer, cellular microenvironment, microfluidic chips