MICROFLUIDIC CHIP FOR CIRCULATING TUMOR CELL SEPARATION, CIRCULATING TUMOR CELL SEPARATION METHOD AND COUNTING METHOD

Abstract

A microfluidic chip for circulating tumor cell separation, comprising a first shell layer, a second shell layer, and a filter membrane between the first shell layer and the second shell layer. A first channel is formed between the filter membrane and the first shell layer; a second channel is formed between the filter membrane and the second shell layer; the first shell layer is provided with m input interfaces and n output interfaces, wherein m is greater than or equal to 1 and n is greater than or equal to 1; the second shell layer is provided with x input interfaces and y output interfaces, wherein x is greater than or equal to 1 and y is greater than or equal to 1. The chip is used for circulating tumor cell separation to achieve high flux, high efficiency, and a simple method, and facilitate promotion.

Claims

1. A microfluidic chip for separating circulating tumor cells, comprising a first housing layer, a second housing layer, and a filter membrane disposed between the first housing layer and the second housing layer, wherein a first channel is formed between the filter membrane and the first housing layer, and a second channel is formed between the filter membrane and the second housing layer; the first housing layer is provided with m inlet(s) and n outlet(s), wherein m≥1 and n≥1; the second housing layer is provided with x inlet(s) and y outlet(s), wherein x≥1 and y≥1.

2. The microfluidic chip according to claim 1, wherein the material of the first housing layer comprises any one selected from the group consisting of dimethylsiloxane, polymethylmethacrylate, or polycarbonate, or a combination of at least two selected therefrom.

3. The microfluidic chip according to claim 1, wherein the material of the second housing layer comprises any one selected from the group consisting of dimethylsiloxane, polymethylmethacrylate, or polycarbonate, or a combination of at least two selected therefrom.

4. The microfluidic chip according to claim 1, wherein the material of the filter membrane comprises any one selected from the group consisting of dimethylsiloxane, polymethylmethacrylate, or polycarbonate, or a combination of at least two selected therefrom.

5. The microfluidic chip according to claim 1, wherein the filter membrane has a pore diameter of 7˜15 μm.

6. The microfluidic chip according to claim 1, wherein the filter membrane has a pore diameter of 8˜10 μm.

7. A method for separating circulating tumor cells by using the microfluidic chip for separating circulating tumor cells according to claim 1, comprising the following steps: (1) opening the inlet(s) of the first housing layer and the outlet(s) of the second housing layer, closing the outlet(s) of the first housing layer and the inlet(s) of the second housing layer, and inputting a blood sample via the inlet(s) of the first housing layer, filtering the same, and discharging the filtrate via the outlet(s) of the second housing layer; (2) opening the inlet(s) of the second housing layer and the outlet(s) of the second housing layer, closing the outlet(s) of the first housing layer and the inlet(s) of the first housing layer, and inputting a buffer via the inlet(s) of the second housing layer, and discharging outflow via the outlet(s) of the second housing layer; (3) opening the inlet(s) of the second housing layer and the outlet(s) of the first housing layer, closing the outlet(s) of the second housing layer and the inlet(s) of the first housing layer, and inputting a buffer via the inlet(s) of the second housing layer, and discharging outflow via the outlet(s) of the first housing layer; (4) opening the inlet(s) of the first housing layer and the outlet(s) of the first housing layer, closing the outlet(s) of the second housing layer and the inlet(s) of the second housing layer, and inputting a buffer via the inlet(s) of the first housing layer, and discharging outflow via the outlet(s) of the first housing layer; (5) opening the inlet(s) of the first housing layer and the outlet(s) of the second housing layer, closing the outlet(s) of the first housing layer and the inlet(s) of the second housing layer, and inputting a buffer via the inlet(s) of the first housing layer, and discharging outflow via the outlet(s) of the second housing layer.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein steps (2) to (5) are repeated successively 1-20 time(s).

9. (canceled)

10. A method for counting circulating tumor cells by using the microfluidic chip for separating circulating tumor cells according to claim 1, comprising the following steps: (1′) opening the inlet(s) of the first housing layer and the outlet(s) of the second housing layer, closing the outlet(s) of the first housing layer and the inlet(s) of the second housing layer, and inputting a blood sample via the inlet(s) of the first housing layer, filtering the same, and discharging the filtrate via the outlet(s) of the second housing layer; (2′) opening the inlet(s) of the second housing layer and the outlet(s) of the second housing layer, closing the outlet(s) of the first housing layer and the inlet(s) of the first housing layer, and inputting a buffer via the inlet(s) of the second housing layer, and discharging outflow via the outlet(s) of the second housing layer; (3′) opening the inlet(s) of the first housing layer and the outlet(s) of the second housing layer, closing the outlet(s) of the first housing layer and the inlet(s) of the second housing layer, and inputting a buffer via the inlet(s) of the first housing layer, and discharging outflow via the outlet(s) of the second housing layer; (4′) opening the inlet(s) of the first housing layer, closing the outlet(s) of the first housing layer, the inlet(s) of the second housing layer and the outlet(s) of the second housing layer, inputting a dyeing solution via the inlet(s) of the first housing layer until the chip is filled with the dyeing solution, and allowing the chip to stand; (5′) opening the inlet(s) of the first housing layer and the outlet(s) of the second housing layer, closing the outlet(s) of the first housing layer and the inlet(s) of the second housing layer, and inputting a washing solution via the inlet(s) of the first housing layer, and discharging outflow via the outlet(s) of the second housing layer; (6′) opening the inlet(s) of the second housing layer and the outlet(s) of the first housing layer, closing the outlet(s) of the second housing layer and the inlet(s) of the first housing layer, and inputting a washing solution via the inlet(s) of the second housing layer, and discharging outflow via the outlet(s) of the first housing layer; (7′) observing fluorescence signals from the stained cells inside the chip under a fluorescence microscope, and photographing the same for counting circulating tumor cells.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein steps (2′) to (3′) are successively repeated 1-20 time(s) before step (4′) is carried out.

12. The method according to claim 10, wherein steps (5′) to (6′) are successively repeated 1-20 time(s) before step (7′) is carried out.

13. (canceled)

14. (canceled)

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] FIG. 1 shows the cross-sectional view of the structure of a microfluidic chip for separating circulating tumor cells provided by the present application;

[0048] FIG. 2 shows the schematic view of the structure of a microfluidic chip for separating circulating tumor cells provided by the present application.

[0049] In FIGS. 1 and 2: 1—first housing layer, 2—filter membrane, 3—second housing layer, 4—first channel, 5—second channel, 6—inlet of the first housing layer, 7—outlet of the first housing layer, 8—inlet of the second housing layer, 9—outlet of the second housing layer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] The technical solutions of the present application will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0051] To better illustrate the present application and to facilitate understanding of the technical solutions of the present application, typical but non-limiting examples of the present application are set forth as follows.

Example 1 Preparation of a Microfluidic Chip (I)

[0052] Provided was a microfluidic chip comprising a first housing layer, a second housing layer, and a filter membrane disposed between the first housing layer and the second housing layer, wherein a first channel was formed between the filter membrane and the first housing layer, and a second channel was formed between the filter membrane and the second housing layer;

[0053] the first housing layer was provided with m inlet(s) and n outlet(s), wherein m=3 and n=3;

[0054] the second housing layer was provided with x inlet(s) and y outlet(s), wherein x=2 and y=2;

[0055] the material of the first housing layer was dimethylsiloxane;

[0056] the material of the second housing layer was polymethylmethacrylate;

[0057] the material of the filter membrane was polymethylmethacrylate; and the filter membrane had a pore diameter of 10 μm.

Example 2 Preparation of a Microfluidic Chip (II)

[0058] Provided was a microfluidic chip comprising a first housing layer, a second housing layer, and a filter membrane disposed between the first housing layer and the second housing layer, wherein a first channel was formed between the filter membrane and the first housing layer, and a second channel was formed between the filter membrane and the second housing layer;

[0059] the first housing layer was provided with m inlet(s) and n outlet(s), wherein m=1 and n=1;

[0060] the second housing layer was provided with x inlet(s) and y outlet(s), wherein x=1 and y=1;

[0061] the material of the first housing layer was polymethylmethacrylate;

[0062] the material of the second housing layer was polymethylmethacrylate;

[0063] the material of the filter membrane was polymethylmethacrylate; and the filter membrane had a pore diameter of 8 μm.

Example 3 Preparation of a Microfluidic Chip (III)

[0064] Provided was a microfluidic chip comprising a first housing layer, a second housing layer, and a filter membrane disposed between the first housing layer and the second housing layer, wherein a first channel was formed between the filter membrane and the first housing layer, and a second channel was formed between the filter membrane and the second housing layer;

[0065] the first housing layer was provided with m inlet(s) and n outlet(s), wherein m=5 and n=4;

[0066] the second housing layer was provided with x inlet(s) and y outlet(s), wherein x=4 and y=5;

[0067] the material of the first housing layer was a combination of dimethylsiloxane and polymethylmethacrylate;

[0068] the material of the second housing layer was a combination of polymethylmethacrylate and polycarbonate;

[0069] the material of the filter membrane was a combination of polymethylmethacrylate and polycarbonate; and the filter membrane had a pore diameter of 9 μm.

Example 4 Preparation of a Microfluidic Chip (IV)

[0070] Provided was a microfluidic chip comprising a first housing layer, a second housing layer, and a filter membrane disposed between the first housing layer and the second housing layer, wherein a first channel was formed between the filter membrane and the first housing layer, and a second channel was formed between the filter membrane and the second housing layer;

[0071] the first housing layer was provided with m inlet(s) and n outlet(s), wherein m=3 and n=5;

[0072] the second housing layer was provided with x inlet(s) and y outlet(s), wherein x=5 and y=3;

[0073] the material of the first housing layer was a combination of polycarbonate and dimethylsiloxane;

[0074] the material of the second housing layer was a combination of dimethylsiloxane, polymethylmethacrylate, and polycarbonate;

[0075] the material of the filter membrane was polycarbonate; and the filter membrane had a pore diameter of 15 μm.

Example 5 Preparation of a Microfluidic Chip (V)

[0076] Provided was a microfluidic chip comprising a first housing layer, a second housing layer, and a filter membrane disposed between the first housing layer and the second housing layer, wherein a first channel was formed between the filter membrane and the first housing layer, and a second channel was formed between the filter membrane and the second housing layer;

[0077] the first housing layer was provided with m inlet(s) and n outlet(s), wherein m=2 and n=4;

[0078] the second housing layer was provided with x inlet(s) and y outlet(s), wherein x=2 and y=3;

[0079] the material of the first housing layer was polycarbonate;

[0080] the material of the second housing layer was polymethylmethacrylate;

[0081] the material of the filter membrane was dimethylsiloxane; and the filter membrane had a pore diameter of 7 μm.

Example 6

[0082] Provided was a method for separating circulating tumor cells by using the microfluidic chip for separating circulating tumor cells, comprising the following steps:

[0083] (1) The inlet(s) of the first housing layer and the outlet(s) of the second housing layer were opened, and the outlet(s) of the first housing layer and the inlet(s) of the second housing layer were closed. Human peripherally circulating blood was diluted 5 times with phosphate buffer. 1 ml of the diluted sample was input via the inlet(s) of the first housing layer at a pressure of 40 mbar, filtered, and discharged via the outlet(s) of the second housing layer.

[0084] (2) The inlet(s) of the second housing layer and the outlet(s) of the second housing layer were opened, and the outlet(s) of the first housing layer and the inlet(s) of the first housing layer were closed. 800 μL of phosphate buffer was input via the inlet(s) of the second housing layer, and discharged via the outlet(s) of the second housing layer.

[0085] (3) The inlet(s) of the second housing layer and the outlet(s) of the first housing layer were opened, and the outlet(s) of the second housing layer and the inlet(s) of the first housing layer were closed. 800 μL of phosphate buffer was input via the inlet(s) of the second housing layer, and discharged via the outlet(s) of the first housing layer.

[0086] (4) The inlet(s) of the first housing layer and the outlet(s) of the first housing layer were opened, and the outlet(s) of the second housing layer and the inlet(s) of the second housing layer were closed. 800 μL of phosphate buffer was input via the inlet(s) of the first housing layer, and discharged via the outlet(s) of the first housing layer.

[0087] (5) The inlet(s) of the first housing layer and the outlet(s) of the second housing layer were opened, and the outlet(s) of the first housing layer and the inlet(s) of the second housing layer were closed. 800 μL of phosphate buffer was input via the inlet(s) of the first housing layer, and discharged via the outlet(s) of the second housing layer.

[0088] After step (5), steps (2) to (5) as described above were successively repeated 9 times. Wherein, the filtration flow rate in step (1) was 51 mL/h, the filtration flow rate in step (2) was 48 mL/h, the filtration flow rate in step (3) was 48 mL/h, the filtration flow rate in step (4) was 48 mL/h, and the filtration flow rate in step (5) was 48 mL/h.

[0089] Before the test, 1 mL of blood sample was taken and detected by flow cytometry. The number of total particles in the sample was 1.11×10.sup.9. While after ten times of filtration, the number of particles in the collected sample was 1.09×10.sup.9. The filtration efficiency of ten times of filtration for blood cells in the sample was 99.99%.

Example 7

[0090] Provided was a method for separating circulating tumor cells using the microfluidic chip for separating circulating tumor cells, which was the same as Example 1 except that after step (5), steps (2) to (5) as described above were not repeated.

[0091] After one time of filtration, the number of particles in the collected sample was 9.63×10.sup.8. The filtration efficiency of one time of filtration for blood cells in the sample was 86.79%.

Example 8

[0092] Provided was a method for counting circulating tumor cells using the microfluidic chip for separating circulating tumor cells, which comprised the following steps:

[0093] (1′) The inlet(s) of the first housing layer and the outlet(s) of the second housing layer were opened, and the outlet(s) of the first housing layer and the inlet(s) of the second housing layer were closed. SK-BR-3 cells having a concentration of about 1×10.sup.6 cells/mL were was diluted 10,000 times with phosphate buffer. 600 μL of the sample was input via the inlet(s) of the first housing layer, filtered and discharged via the outlet(s) of the second housing layer.

[0094] (2′) The inlet(s) of the second housing layer and the outlet(s) of the second housing layer were opened, and the outlet(s) of the first housing layer and the inlet(s) of the first housing layer were closed. 100 μL of phosphate buffer was input via the inlet(s) of the second housing layer, and discharged via the outlet(s) of the second housing layer.

[0095] (3′) The inlet(s) of the first housing layer and the outlet(s) of the second housing layer were opened, and the outlet(s) of the first housing layer and the inlet(s) of the second housing layer were closed. 100 μL of phosphate buffer was input via the inlet(s) of the first housing layer, and discharged via the outlet(s) of the second housing layer.

[0096] (4′) The inlets of the first housing layer were opened, and the outlets of the first housing layer, the inlets of the second housing layer and the outlets of the second housing layer were closed. A dye solution was input via the inlets of the first housing layer until the chip was filled with the dye solution. The chip was then allowed to stand.

[0097] (5′) The inlet(s) of the first housing layer and the outlet(s) of the second housing layer were opened, and the outlet(s) of the first housing layer and the inlet(s) of the second housing layer were closed. 100 μL of washing solution was input via the inlet(s) of the first housing layer, and discharged via the outlet(s) of the second housing layer.

[0098] (6′) The inlet(s) of the second housing layer and the outlet(s) of the first housing layer were opened, and the outlet(s) of the second housing layer and the inlet(s) of the first housing layer were closed. 100 μL of washing solution was input via the inlet(s) of the second housing layer, and discharged via the outlet(s) of the first housing layer.

[0099] (7′) Fluorescence signals from the stained cells inside the chip were observed under a fluorescence microscope and photographed for counting circulating tumor cells.

[0100] The number of separated SK-BR-3 cells was measured to be 56.

[0101] 1 mL of un-filtered sample was subjected to counting of SK-BR-3 cells with a cytometer, and as a result, the number of SK-BR-3 cells was measured to be 7.561×10.sup.5. After one filtration and washing operation, the acquisition efficiency of the chip for tumor cells was 74.2%.

Example 9

[0102] Provided was a method for counting circulating tumor cells using the microfluidic chip for separating circulating tumor cells, which was substantially the same as Example 3 except that steps (2′) to (3′) were successively repeated 20 times before step (4′) was carried out, and steps (5′) to (6′) were successively repeated 20 times before step (7′) was carried out.

[0103] The number of separated SK-BR-3 cells was measured to be 45.

[0104] After 20 times of filtration and washing operations, the acquisition efficiency of the chip for tumor cells was 59.6%.

Example 10

[0105] A solution of SK-BR-3 cells having an average concentration of 1×10.sup.5 to 1×10.sup.6 cells/mL was diluted 10 times with phosphate buffer. 1 mL of the diluted cell solution was added into 1 mL of blood sample and operations were carried out in accordance with the method of Example 2.

[0106] The separated sample and un-filtrated tumor cell sample were counted respectively with a cell counter. The acquisition efficiency of the chip for SK-BR-3 cells was calculated to be 85.72%. After the treatment, the ratio of the number of tumor cells to that of blood cells was increased by 60 times.

Example 11

[0107] A solution of SK-BR-3 cells having an average concentration of 1×10.sup.5 to 1×10.sup.6 cells/mL was diluted 10 times with phosphate buffer. 1 mL of the diluted cell solution was then added into 1 mL of blood sample and operations were carried out in accordance with the method of Example 4.

[0108] The un-filtrated tumor cell sample was counted with a cell counter. According to the counting results, the acquisition efficiency of the chip for SK-BR-3 cells was calculated to be 59.6%. After the treatment, the ratio of the number of tumor cells to that of blood cells was increased by 455 times.

Comparative Example 1

[0109] Provided was a method for separating circulating tumor cells using the microfluidic chip for separating circulating tumor cells, which was substantially the same as Example 1 except that only step (1) was carried out.

[0110] The separated sample and un-filtrated sample were counted respectively with a cell counter. The acquisition efficiency of the chip for blood cells was calculated to be 43%.

Comparative Example 2

[0111] Provided was a method for counting circulating tumor cells using the microfluidic chip for separating circulating tumor cells, which was substantially the same as Example 3 except that only step (1′) was carried out.

[0112] The separated sample and un-filtrated tumor cell sample were counted respectively with a cell counter. The acquisition efficiency of the chip for SK-BR-3 cells was calculated to be 65%.

Comparative Example 3

[0113] A blood sample containing breast cancer cells was tested using the CellSearch system available from Johnson & Johnson according to the method as described in Lin, H. K., Zheng, S., Williams, A. J., Balic. M., Groshen, S., Scher, H. I., Cote, R. J. (2010). Portable filter-based microdevice for detection and characterization of circulating tumor cells. Clinical Cancer Research, 16(20), 5011-5018. The average acquisition efficiency for tumor cells was measured to be 13%.

[0114] It can be seen from Examples 6-11 that by using the microfluidic chip for separating circulating tumor cells and the method as provided by the present application, the acquisition efficiency for blood cells in a blood sample reached 99.99%, and the separation efficiency for cancer cells was also greater than 50%. For a mixture sample of cancer cells and blood, the ratio of the separated cancer cells to the residual blood cells was 455 times the initial ratio. In both Comparative Example 1 and Comparative Example 2, tumor cells were not separated according to the method as provided herein, and the separation efficiencies for both cancer cells and blood cells were decreased.

[0115] The applicant states that detailed structures of the present application are demonstrated in the present application through the above embodiments. However, the present application is not limited to the above detailed structures, and it does not mean that the present application must rely on the above detailed structures to implement. It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that, for any improvement of the present application, the equivalent replacement of the parts selected in the present application, the addition of auxiliary parts, and the selection of specific modes, etc., will all fall within the scope of protection and disclosure of the present application.

[0116] The preferred embodiments of the present application have been described in detail above. However, the present application is not limited to the specific details in the foregoing embodiments, and various simple modifications may be made to the technical solutions of the present application within the technical concept of the present application. These simple variants all fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0117] In addition, it should be noted that the specific technical features described in the above specific embodiments may be combined in any suitable manner without contradiction. In order to avoid unnecessary repetition, the present application will not be further described in various possible combinations. In addition, any combination of various embodiments of the present application may be made as long as it does not contradict the idea of the present application, and it should also be regarded as the disclosure of the present application.