Table 8 Summary of studies using microfluidic-based cultures in cancer research

Standard photolithography

Breast cancer/ MDA-MB-231

To create a matrix stimulating the TME.

- The model allowed for visualization of cell migration and cancer progression within the microenvironment.

- The evolution of cell–cell interactions was time-dependent and thus can resemble in vivo activity.

[84]

Standard photolithography

Lung cancer/ SPCA-1and HFL1

To develop 3D cell culture in a microfluidic device that would allow for parallel testing of different chemotherapeutics.

- The 3D model accurately mimicked the TME and provided an efficient drug sensitivity testing platform.

- Drug sensitivity behavior in 2D models differed significantly from that observed in the 3D model.

[85]

Soft photolithography

Breast cancer/ MCF-7

To establish a 3D model using hydrogel scaffolding in microwells, and to evaluate therapeutic effectiveness, distribution, and penetration of doxorubicin in the 3D cell culture.

- The microfluidic chip simulated the in vivo TME by providing a dynamic culture condition (i.e., fluid velocity, interstitial pressure).

- 3D spheroids showed less sensitivity to doxorubicin compared to the 2D monolayers.

[146]

Low-pressure plasma oxidation

Lung cancer/ H292

To evaluate the therapeutic index of anti-EGFR-antibody cetuximab using human-skin co-culture assay.

- The integration of a metastatic with a scaled-down model of a functional human skin created an optimal test platform for assessing the effectiveness of EGFR inhibitors and other promising treatments in the field of oncology.

[147]

Multilayer photolithography

High-grade ovarian cancer/ OVCAR-8, FTSEC

To produce a custom-designed microfluidic device for the isolation of exosomes from patient serum samples and cultured cells.

- The microscale can facilitate the identification and isolation of exosome-derived biomarkers, which TME can be utilized in assays for the early detection of high-grade serous ovarian cancer.

[148]