Microfluidic Device Analyzes Whole Tissues, Speeds Biopsies

Feb-09-14 Researchers have developed a prototype microfluidic device able to function with tissue samples, which could significantly speed up the process of cancer biopsies.

Previous versions of microfluidic devices have only been able to work with single-celled organisms. To overcome this limitation, a team from the University of Washington designed a low-cost, credit card-sized device for pancreatic cancer diagnosis that is able to analyze a whole tissue biopsy for 3D imaging. The silicon device is equipped with tiny channels that allow the tissue to pass through and undergo the same series of processes as would occur in a pathology lab, but on a much larger scale. The fluids within the device propel the tissue through the device without applying too much force, which also allows clinicians to simply deposit a tissue biopsy acquired with a syringe directly into the device.

Additionally, the resulting 3D image of the sample provides more complete information on the tumor’s cellular makeup.

More Info about this Invention:

[MEDGADGET.COM]
[UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON]

---