Phone vibration motor used to build 3D tumor model for cancer drug testing

Researchers pioneer a $7 DIY device, using a cell phone motor, for high-throughput 3D tumor spheroid creation, revolutionizing anti-cancer drug testing.

Can Emir

Motor that generates vibration to the mobile phone

Wongsakorn Napaeng/iStock

Researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, a Mass General Brigham healthcare system member, have developed a low-cost DIY vibrating nozzle device utilizing a cell phone coin-vibrating motor. This innovative approach aims to address the challenges of generating uniform tumor spheroids for high-throughput screening of anti-cancer drugs.

Tumors are complex three-dimensional (3D) structures, and understanding cancer biology in this context is crucial. Conventional methods for creating 3D tumor models are labor-intensive and lack high throughput. The newly developed DIY device aims to overcome these limitations, offering a reliable preclinical testing platform for anti-cancer drugs.

The DIY device, assembled for less than $7, utilizes a cell phone coin-vibrating motor to generate vibration force. This force breaks up the suspension of cancer cells in an alginate solution, creating uniform droplets. The cancer cells, encapsulated in alginate microparticles, spontaneously form into tumor spheroids during culture. This straightforward method provides a cost-effective and efficient solution for generating consistent tumor spheroids.

The device’s capability to generate 3,970 tumor spheroids per minute is a significant leap forward in high-throughput cancer research. This surpasses the limitations of existing methods, making it a game-changer for scientists working on drug development and testing. The generated tumor spheroids exhibit a hypoxic core, replicating in vivo tumors, and present an opportunity to assess the diffusion efficacy of anti-cancer drugs.

Expanding on the significance of this DIY device, it’s crucial to note its potential impact on drug testing efficiency. The ability to generate nearly 4,000 uniform tumor spheroids per minute not only accelerates the screening process but also enhances the reliability of preclinical tests. This efficiency is paramount in addressing the growing need for rapid drug development and testing. The DIY device not only democratizes cancer research but also sets a new standard for high-throughput outcomes, unlocking possibilities for more streamlined and effective drug discovery.

Traditional two-dimensional cancer cell cultures often fall short of representing the complexities of in vivo tumors. By creating uniform tumor spheroids with hypoxic cores, the DIY device addresses this gap. The spheroids demonstrate clinically typical responses to chemotherapy, offering valuable insights for improved drug development strategies.

The affordability and simplicity of the DIY device contribute to overcoming financial barriers in cancer research. Dr. Hae Lin Jang, corresponding author, emphasizes the significance of low-cost, simple-to-operate systems in democratizing cancer research, making scientific advancements more accessible.

According to Dr. Bumseok Namgung, the study’s first author, “Our simple and low-cost system facilitates anti-cancer drug research by enabling high-throughput drug screening.” The DIY device allows researchers to conduct preclinical testing efficiently and cost-effectively.

The development of this DIY vibrating nozzle device represents a significant step forward in cancer research, providing a practical and economical solution for generating uniform tumor spheroids. As scientists continue to refine and adopt this innovative approach, it promises to accelerate drug development and ultimately improve cancer treatment outcomes.

The study was published in Cell

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Can Emir Can is a curious individual who is highly impressed by all sorts of innovations and technology. He graduated from Bahcesehir University's Film & TV department but still wonders what it would be like if he studied chemistry, a field he is strongly interested in. Can began translating and journalism after working for a few years in his initial field. He loves scuba-diving, old arcade games, and comics.

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