Innovative Microfluidic Device Achieves 90% Efficiency in Detecting Cancer Cells in Blood

Recent advancements in microfluidic technology have enabled the development of highly sensitive diagnostic tools for cancer detection. Researchers from Chiba University in Japan have engineered a novel microdevice that can capture circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from blood with over 90% efficiency, even at high flow rates. This device utilizes microcones, fabricated on polycarbonate sheets via thermal nanoimprint lithography, which are coated with antibodies targeting specific cancer cell markers.

The microcones, approximately 30 micrometers in size and arranged in a hexagonal pattern, enhance the capture of CTCs by exploiting surface chemistry and morphology. By controlling the orientation angles of these microcones, the team optimized the device’s performance, achieving consistent capture rates for breast and lung cancer cells. Notably, when the microcones were angled at 15° or 30°, the capture efficiency remained above 90%, highlighting the importance of microstructure arrangement.

The device's microchannels enable the flow of blood samples, with captured cancer cells remaining immobilized within the channels. Fluorescent dye staining confirmed the successful trapping and identification of cancer cells, which could be distinguished easily under fluorescent light. This approach offers a minimally invasive, cost-effective alternative to traditional cancer detection methods.

Professor Masumi Yamada and his team envision that this microfluidic system can be used not only for early cancer diagnosis but also for monitoring treatment efficacy and disease recurrence. By enabling reliable detection of CTCs from simple blood tests, this technology holds promise for improving cancer management and patient outcomes.

This cutting-edge research was published in the journal Lab on a Chip on May 28, 2025, and demonstrates a significant step forward in microfluidic-based cancer diagnostics.