3D micro/nano fabrication and its application in cancer biophysics

Abstract

The major reason why cancer kills is its metastatic potentials. Metastasis is an extremely complex three-dimensional (3D) process. Currently, routine in vivo cancer research still experiences bottlenecks in observation and manipulation, while in vitro research mainly stays in petri-dish levels that limit cell environment with two-dimensional confinements. Therefore, it is in urgent needs to construct 3D in vitro models to deepen the studies in cancer invasion and metastasis. However “how to carry out” is a big question that harasses scientists for decades. In this report, we will systematically discuss several popular technologies for 3D microfabrication and their applications in bio and cancer research. Besides, we will demonstrate our efforts to construct an all-in-one 3D micro ecology simulation system (3D MESS) which highly integrates a UV bio-compatible hydrogel printer, a light-sheet imaging system, and a nano pipette operation system. This novel system will create a brand-new method to fabricate, observe and controls the 3D structures and the cells inside. We believe that these advanced technology and ambitions will definitely update the current cancer research methods and bring promising hopes for future deeper understandings and more efficient treatment of cancer.