Tumor microenvironment biomechanics studied with microscale acoustofluidics

We aim to investigate, modify and quantify biomechanical properties in tumor-on-a-chip spheroids and organoids, focusing on the cellular and sub-cellular length scale within the tumor microenvironment (TME).

Employing micro-scale acoustofluidics technology, called AFTOCORG (AcoustoFluidic Tumor On a Chip ORGanoids), MHz-frequency ultrasound will be used to control the formation and maturation of heterogeneous tumor structures in 3D, and to study their biomechanical response.

With the AFTOCORG technology, we will control and vary the shape, size, biomechanical properties, and internal architecture of the tumor spheroids and organoids with high precision.

Together with a gravitational dropout measurement procedure, a complete set of biomechanical properties of various kinds of 3D cultures can be revealed, including deformability, deformability rate, compressibility, Poisson’s ratio and density.

Furthermore, we will use time-lapse live cell imaging to continuously monitor the dynamics of the biomechanical properties and exploring the influence of ultrasound on cellular states.

Additionally, we will develop and study more complex tumor organoids, including in vitro tumor-stroma models, to investigate immune cell function and drug response within the TME.

Anticipated outcomes include enhanced understanding of the role of TME´s biomechanical properties to cancer treatment responses, as well as the development of more realistic in vitro tumor models.