A review of recent progress toward the efficient separation of circulating tumor cells via micro‐/nanostructured microfluidic chips

Abstract

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are closely correlated with cancer diagnoses, and their early detection can help patients receive accurate prognoses in a noninvasive manner. However, the rarity, fragility, and heterogeneity of CTCs introduce significant technical challenges to their separation from blood. Recent advances in micro‐/nanofabrication techniques have made microfluidic chips better for CTC separation. In this review, we mainly focus on recent progress made in the development of microfluidic chips incorporating micro‐/nanostructures for the CTC separation. Specifically, we reviewed two major CTC separation mechanisms, that is, physical and chemical approaches. Representative works on physical mechanism‐based approaches (include pillar filtration, cross‐flow filtration, deterministic lateral displacement, smart materials, and bionics); immunomagnetic beads, and surface modification; and chemical mechanism‐based approaches include diversity of affinity ligand selection, are reviewed. Their advantages and disadvantages are compared and discussed, and a perspective on the future direction of CTC is provided.

Next‐Generation Preclinical Functional Testing Models in Cancer Precision Medicine: CTC‐Derived Organoids

“…[60] These microfluidic chips can evolve into potent tools for capturing CTCs, thereby enabling rapid, accurate, low-power, and low-damage capture and detection to become a reality. [61] These advantages form the essential foundation for the successful culture of CTC-derived organoids. Utilizing micro/nanostructure microfluidic chips in the culture of CTC-derived organoids holds promise for addressing the challenge of low culture success rates caused by significant CTCs loss and diminished viability following microfluidic separation.…”

Recent Progress in Mass Spectrometry‐Based Single‐Cell Metabolic Analysis

“…This MSIbased cell identification technique helped to evaluate the impact of new treatments on different subtypes of tumors and could further facilitate the development of personalized medicine. Rare cells such as cancer stem cells (CSCs) [99,100] and circulating tumor cells (CTCs) [101,102] exhibit distinct metabolic heterogeneity compared to other cells. Single-cell metabolic analysis based on MS contributes to the discovery of novel biomarkers, aiding in early disease diagnosis and precision treatment.…”

Designed Nanomaterials‐Assisted Proteomics and Metabolomics Analysis for In Vitro Diagnosis

“…[5] With technological advancements, IVD techniques are continually evolving. The emergence of technologies like microfluidic chips, [6] biosensors, [7] and gene sequencing [8] has made IVD more accurate, rapid, and convenient. Moreover, with the rise of personalized medicine, IVD is moving towards more individualized and DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202301192 customized approaches to cater to the specific needs of different patients.…”