NANOCURE Research

Research in the NANOCURE (Nanotechnology-based Analysis Of Cancer through Undergraduate Research Experience) project involves the analysis of cancer therapeutics using a multidisciplinary approach that integrates biology, engineering, nanotechnology, optics, and more. Specifically, NANOCURE is interested in the potential for cesium, an alkali metal, to act as a cancer therapeutic using microfluidics and Raman spectroscopy.

Description of Research

The main purpose of this research project is to isolate cells, specifically cancer cells. The cell is the fundamental unit of biological organisms and it is very important to study single cells in order to improve treatment methods. The mechanical devise used to isolate single cells is a microfluidic device.

A microfluidic device consists of small channels that can transport small amounts of fluids from one location to another. These small channels allow for control and manipulation of the fluids to provide the opportunity to isolate single cells. To verify changes in these single cells, Raman spectroscopy, which uses laser light, is used to provide a structural fingerprint.

One of the goals of biology is to understand how cells work. This goal require various approaches for measurements on a single cell, maintaining its structural integrity. Microfuidics can provide a solution for cell isolation and analysis. Microfluidic devices have emerged as distinct new structures that can precisely control the transport of fluids through channels at the micro and nano scale, and therefore have the ability to control and study small particles over time.

Our research uses microfluidic technology to manipulate movement of human colorectal carcinoma cells and entrap single cells. 

Previous research at UW-Platteville demonstrated that cesium treatment eliminated colorectal tumors in mice without noticeable adverse effects. Complementary alternative medicine therapies based on the use of cesium chloride preparations for the treatment of cancer and radiation poisoning, have generated therapeutic interest.

However, oral or intravenous administration of cesium chloride (CsCl) to cancer patients as an alternative mode of cancer therapy have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (F.D.A.).  Our project investigates cesium’s suppressive effect human colorectal carcinoma cells in vitro.

The biochemical output of cancer cells is vastly different from normal cells, and in particular, cancer cells are highly acidic. A biocompatible microfluidic device capable of measuring the extracellular pH of human colorectal carcinoma cells was developed. The sensor’s electrodes consist of a silver chloride reference electrode and an iridium oxide-working electrode that provides real time voltage output in the mV range. Calibration was performed via linear regression of induced voltage as a function of pH, and the slope, or Nernstian value, provided relationship of 53mV/pH of the device.

Current studies are being conducted to incorporate the pH sensor into a microfluidic device that isolates single cells. In addition, future research include Raman spectroscopy to provide quantitative information of the biochemical output of cells. Raman spectroscopy will be used to verify changes in biochemical composition that correspond to cellular pH changes with cesium treatment.

Academic Areas of Focus

Biology
This project is related to biology because it involves the use of microfluidics technology to study cell biology. Microfluidic devices enables studies of cell behavior from single to multi-cellular organisms.

Nanotechnology ("nanotech")
This project operates in the design, fabrication and testing of micro- or nano-scale fluidic platforms. Some microfluidic devices rely on photolithography, a nanotechnology process, for fabrication.

Engineering
This project requires the understanding of the fundamentals of fluid mechanics for applications in the biomedical and engineering areas. For example, it is important to understand the different driving forces for controlling fluid flows in smaller scales to isolate single cells.

Senior Design: a Capstone Design Experience
Senior Design is about students, working in small teams and tackling design challenges. Part of the success of the NANOCURE research is due to the work of several senior design teams.