Analysis of Nano Particles in Circulating Tumor Cells

Tumor cells are formed as adhesion of activated thrombocytes (platelets) with erythrocyte(red blood cells) which in turn adhere to endothelial cells of the walls of the arteries or capillaries. Shear rate play an important roll in the margination of blood particles and in deformation and aggregation of erythrocytes. A grown tumor under high shear rate results in small portion of tumor breaking away and forming circulating tumor cells in the blood stream. In order to arrest circulating tumor cells from moving to other parts and forming new tumors, circulating tumor cells are separated from blood throgh the process of fractionation, reacted with nano particles.

Nanotechnology have aided the development of advanced circulating tumor cells(CTC)-detecting microfluidic devices for the recovery and purification of CTCs. When blood sample flows through the microchannel on top of an array of permanent magnets, nanoparticle-labeled cells can be separated and captured on the substrate of the microchannel.

The velocity field and shear rate field can be simulated. By using the Particle Tracing model, the CTC encounter probability, the velocity and shear limit of the device can be tested. Analysis is used to optimize the design of the device. Shear forces added on CTCs not only affect the capture efficiency but also alter the captured cells’ viability.