A team of Spanish researches, coordinated by the Superior Center for Scientific Researcher (CSIC), has developed a microchip, that detects, separates and removes the tumor cells samples, from the bloodstream.This is the first ultrasonic device, made of plastic, for manipulating particles or cells in suspension and could be used for early detection of metastasis in the blood.
This microchip is smaller than a coin of Euro and includes a small canal, along which blood sample, from a patient with circulating tumor cells.
It works by applying ultrasound to an area of the channel cross.The radiation force, which holds the ultrasonic wave, causes that the tumor cells, which are distingued from the rest by their size and density, are conducted up to that point and then collected.
The novelty of this method is that it is not invasive, I mean there is no need to introduce an external element.
Another of the peculiarities of this tecnology is that it keeps the properties of cells, for further study or molecular biological analysis.Moreover, you can increase efficiency in the collection of cells, enlarging the size of the channel where blood flows.So, the cells remain longer inside the device and make sure they are collected.
Today, biopsy is used to take samples of tumor cells, but this tecnique is difficult to implement in early stages Therefore, the use of this microchip will be an important advance.
This work is the result of a project from the National Plan Against cancer with the collaboration of the CSIC; IKERLAN ( Tecnology Research Center) in Guipuzcoa;The General Hospital Foundation, in the University of Elche; and the Politechnique University of Mondragón (Guipuzcoa).He also participated the researcher, Alfredo Carrato, head of the Department of Oncology at the University Hospital "Ramón y Cajal", in Madrid.
At present there are other groups working on similar ultrasonic micro-separators.For example, it is the case of a team of the University of Lund (Sweden), who has created a device, made of Silicon, with similar applications.
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Kind regards,
Luis.