Microcone Device Captures Cancer Cells from Blood with 90% Efficiency

Researchers at Chiba University have developed a microfluidic device that uses nanoimprinted microcone arrays to detect circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in blood with high sensitivity and efficiency. CTCs are cancer cells that break away from primary tumors and travel through the bloodstream, potentially causing secondary tumors. Detecting them early is crucial for diagnosis, treatment monitoring, and recurrence prevention—but traditional methods are often invasive, expensive, or lack precision.

The team, led by Professor Masumi Yamada, fabricated microcones on polycarbonate sheets using thermal nanoimprint lithography (T-NIL). These microcones, roughly 30 micrometers in size and arranged in hexagonal patterns, were coated with antibodies targeting epithelial cell adhesion molecules (EpCAM), which are commonly expressed on cancer cells. The sheets were then assembled into microfluidic channels that allow blood to flow through while capturing cancer cells.

By adjusting the orientation angles of the microcone arrays (15° or 30°), the researchers found they could maintain over 90% capture efficiency for breast (MCF-7) and lung (A549) cancer cells—even at high flow rates. This orientation control proved critical for optimizing cell adhesion and retention. The device also demonstrated strong selectivity, distinguishing cancer cells from normal cells using fluorescent immunostaining techniques.

Importantly, the system is low-cost and scalable, avoiding complex chemical reactions typically required for antibody integration. It offers a minimally invasive alternative to biopsies and could be used for routine blood tests to detect cancer early or monitor treatment response. The research, published in Lab on a Chip, represents a promising step toward accessible, high-performance cancer diagnostics.