Periodic Reporting for period 1 - BiCiCle (Biophysics of circulating tumor cells, from single molecule to cell clusters)
Periodo di rendicontazione: 2020-09-01 al 2022-08-31
This project aims at unravelling the biophysical properties of CTCs clusters and its dynamic changes that enable clusters to pass through small capillaries. To better understand this, we offered to characterize the adhesion forces between cells and the viscoelastic properties of individual CTC and CTC clusters using an advanced technique called atomic force microscopy.
However, this technique involves immobilizing the cells on a surface to perform the measurements, which does not correspond to the physiological state of circulating cells. We therefore sought to develop a new technique for measuring the mechanical properties of cells directly in suspension. To do so, we combined acoustic force spectroscopy, an emerging technique using sounds waves to manipulate or levitate micro-objects, and reflection contract interference microscopy, an optical technique known since decades. We have demonstrated that this unique combination allows measuring the deformation of objects in suspension.
The development of this technique required overcoming the technical constraints of the acoustic and optical parts to find compromises. Calibration also proved to be challenging.
The results obtained were presented at several conferences and meetings (scientific days of local interdisciplinary institute, meetings of research network in biomechanics, conference of biophysical society, summer school of acoustofluidics). This made it possible to benefit from the feedback of the scientific community, and to confront the project with a large disciplinary panel, allowing to confront the physical, acoustic and biological points of view, to ensure that no aspect was left aside.
A manuscript is under preparation and a patent will be deposited.
This project has also contributed to training several master's students who have completed their internship in the laboratory, and several of whom now wish to continue in research and complete a PhD.
In addition, several science popularization actions aimed at scholars and the general public were carried out as part of the science festival and the European researchers’ night.