Multi-particle Colloidal Crystal Layer for CTC Expansion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for expanding circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in vitro are inefficient, with a low success rate (less than 20%) and time-consuming, limiting accurate genetic testing and drug evaluation due to the lack of suitable technology to expand CTCs for individualized cancer treatment.
Innovation Solution
A method and kit using a cell culture tool with a multi-particle colloidal crystal layer, comprising particles of 1000 to 5000 nm and 20 to 400 nm, to attach and expand CTCs, combined with a culture medium containing platelet lysate, allowing for rapid expansion of CTCs by 20 times or more in six weeks or less.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional CTC culture methods are used, then CTC expansion is attempted, but the success rate is low (less than 20%) and the process is time-consuming (over six months)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the culture surface by introducing a multi-particle colloidal crystal layer with specific particle size distributions (first particles: 1000-5000 nm, second particles: 20-400 nm). This structural modification creates optimal attachment sites for CTCs, dramatically improving culture success rates from below 20% to significantly higher levels while reducing expansion time to six weeks or less
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-particle colloidal crystal layer acts as an intermediary between the CTCs and the culture medium. This intermediate structure facilitates better cell attachment and nutrient exchange, serving as a bridge that enhances the interaction between cells and their environment, thereby improving both success rate and reducing cultivation time
2Measurement precision
If a small number of CTCs are available, then genetic testing accuracy is insufficient, but expanding CTCs conventionally has low success rate and is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
By modifying the physical structure of the culture surface through the multi-particle colloidal crystal layer, the patent creates optimal conditions for CTC attachment and proliferation. This parameter change in surface topology enables efficient expansion of limited CTC samples, providing sufficient cell numbers for accurate genetic testing within a practical timeframe
3Adaptability or versatility
If individualized cancer treatment is desired, then CTC analysis is needed, but current technology cannot expand CTCs sufficiently for comprehensive drug evaluation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the culture surface parameters by introducing a multi-particle colloidal crystal layer that significantly enhances CTC expansion capacity. This enables sufficient CTC proliferation to support comprehensive drug screening and genetic analysis, making individualized cancer treatment feasible by providing adequate biological material for thorough evaluation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary expansion of CTCs using the multi-particle colloidal crystal layer before conducting drug evaluation and genetic testing. This preliminary action ensures that sufficient cell numbers are available upfront for comprehensive individualized treatment planning, avoiding the need to wait for slow conventional expansion
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method enables efficient expansion of CTCs, facilitating accurate genetic testing and drug evaluation, thereby improving the success rate of cancer treatment by providing a clinically tailored therapeutic approach.
Implementation Method 1
contacting the cell solution with the multi-particle colloidal crystal layer, to attach the circulating tumor cells to the multi-particle colloidal crystal layer
Data Source
AI summary
A method for expanding circulating tumor cell in vitro includes preparing a cell culture tool having a multi-particle colloidal crystal layer, preparing a cell solution including circulating tumor cells, and contacting the cell solution with the multi-particle colloidal crystal layer, to attach the circulating tumor cells in the cell solution to the multi-particle colloidal crystal layer and rapidly expand by 20 times or more. The multi-particle colloidal crystal layer at least includes first particles having a particle size of 1000 to 5000 nm and second particles having a particle size of 20 to 400 nm. The culture medium in the cell solution at least includes a platelet lysate.