Recreation of the prostate epithelium is motivated by evidence suggesting it to be the site of nucleation in cancer metastasis. These systems essentially serve as the next step in the development of cells cultured from mice to two and subsequently three-dimensional human cell culturing. PDMS developments have enabled the creation of microfluidic systems that offer the benefit of adjustable topography, gas and liquid exchange, as well as an ease of observation via conventional microscopy.
Researchers at the University of Grenoble Alpes have outlined a methodology that utilizes such a microfluidic system in the attempt to construct a viable Prostate epithelium model. The approach focuses on a cylindrical microchannel configuration, mimicking the morphology of a human secretory duct, within which the epithelium is located. Various microchannel diameters were assessed for successful promotion of cell cultures, and it was observed that diameters of 150-400 µm were the most successful. Furthermore, cellular adhesion endured throughout this experimentation, despite the introduction of physical stress through variations in microfluidic currents.
The objective of these constructions is to facilitate the collection of prostatic fluid, along with gauging cellular reactions to microenvironmental changes. Additionally, prostate-on-a-chip enables the recreation of metastasis scenarios, which allows the assessment of drug candidates and other therapeutic approaches. Scalability of this method is also attractive to researchers, as the reusable mold approach ensures a low-cost of production.