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Novel assay platform for 3D microfluidic cancer research

AMSBIO
10 Oct 2021
Dora Wells
Clinical Content Editor

Industry news

AMSBIO have supplied custom Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T products to the University of Strathclyde (UoS) in Glasgow, UK, and ScreenIn3D Ltd, allowing them to perform novel immune-oncology assays in 3D microfluidic cancer models.

CAR-T cells are genetically modified T-cells used to find and kill cancer cells by targeting specific cancer-associated proteins, or antigens. CAR-T cell therapy is highly effective against hematological malignancies, but faces challenges in solid tumors due to the immunosuppressive effects of the tumor microenvironment. Often, combination therapies, such as chemotherapy and checkpoint blockage, are used in combination with CAR-T to improve efficacy.

UoS and ScreenIn3D researchers developed novel miniaturized screening assays that use very small amounts of CAR-T cells within 3D complex in vitro models of solid tumors on a chip. This exciting technological advance enables investigation of CAR-T efficacy, off-target cytotoxicity, and synergistic effects when used in combination assays.

AMSBIO offers a custom service that enables researchers to take advantage of the astonishing clinical breakthroughs achieved with CAR-T cells in various hematological malignancies. Drawing upon its expertise in monoclonal antibody development (rabbit and mouse), AMSBIO can help design, plan and execute your CAR-T study, whether you are in the preclinical, clinical, or proof of concept stage. The AMSBIO CAR-T platform is highly adaptable to your needs and starting materials, allowing you to start with a target molecule (Phase I) or antibody (Phase II).

As part of their custom CAR-T development service, AMSBIO construct the single chain variable fragment (ScFv), transfer it into a CAR lentivector of your choice, make the lentivirus, and transduce activated human (or mouse) T cells. After the CAR-T cells proliferate, the cytotoxicity is measured in a real time assay, CAR expression analyzed and cytokine production quantified.

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Lab-on-a-ChipLab-on-a-chip (LOC) technology uses microfluidic chips, such as microarrays, to perform biochemical assays on a small scale. Benefits of lab-on-a-chip include the small volume of sample required as well as the speed of analysis. In selecting lab-on-a-chip devices consider the assay, cost, reliability, sensitivity and signal to noise ratio.HematologyIn Haematology / Hematology, complete blood cell counts (or full blood counts) are obtained using automated blood count analyzers to enumerate blood cell types.  Hematology also encompasses haemostasis and coagulation, thrombophilia and hemophilia, plasma viscosity and ESR analysis, hemoglobinopathies, cell morphology and haematinic measurement.ImmunologyImmunological techniques measure and characterize immune responses. Immunology kits and analysis systems often use techniques such as ELISA, radioimmunoassay (RIA) and immunodiffusion assays, Immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry. Immunologists use equipment such as flow Cytometers, plate readers, plate washers and fluorescent microscopes.BiomarkersBiomarkers are biological markers which can be measured and evaluated to indicate a biological state. The use of biomarkers in research and diagnosis can indicate a normal or disease state or drug response of cells / tissues. Biomarkers include genetic markers, cell surface markers such as antigens, antibodies or receptors and secreted molecules such as cytokines. An assay system is required for identification of biomarkers. :Biopharmaceutical AdvancesBiopharmaceutical advances follow the development of pharmaceuticals derived from biotechnology, also known as biotechnology medicines. Biopharmaceuticals may be produced from cell lines, plants, or microbial cells. Important considerations of biopharmaceutical use include application, cost, production process and purification.Cancer CellsCancer cells are abnormal cells that divide uncontrollably, leading to the formation of tumors and the spread of cancer. Studying cancer cells is crucial for developing new treatments and understanding tumor biology. Explore cancer cell research products in our peer-reviewed product directory; compare products, check reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.ImmunotherapyImmunotherapy is a treatment approach that utilizes the body�s immune system to fight diseases, especially cancer. It includes therapies such as monoclonal antibodies, checkpoint inhibitors, and CAR-T cell therapy. Immunotherapy is a rapidly growing area of research in oncology and autoimmune diseases. Browse our peer-reviewed product directory to find the best immunotherapy tools, compare products, check reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.Cancer ResearchAlthough cancer is often referred to as a single condition, it actually consists of more than 100 different diseases. Microscopy, mass spectrometry, high throughput sequencing and flow cytometry are some of the most common techniques employed in cancer research labs.

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