Nano Fabricated 3D Extracellular Matrix (ECM) Scaffolds to alter the Cancer Cell Behavior

Abstract

Current therapeutic approaches for cancer, such as irradiation and chemotherapy, are highly invasive and have adverse side effects. In most cases, surgeries cannot even guarantee a complete recovery; therefore an effective alternate approach with minimum side effects for cancer treatment is timely requirement. Recent studies have been shown that the alterations in the extracellular matrix (ECM) could be used to manipulate the cell behavior. We exploited this technique and trying to manipulate the ECM’s to control the cancer cell growth. Although the technique can be tested on other types of cancers, our studies were mainly focused on colon cancer. In our approach, we combined Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and state of the art 3D Electron Beam Lithography (3D EBL). SEM was used to obtain images of real human colon epithelial tissues, which represent the different stages of colon cancer and normal colonic epithelia. The tissues, normal to metastatic, were reproduced one-to-one on bio compatible PMMA and PDMS polymers using 3D EBL. Using the same technique and thermal reflow, 3D egg crate profiles were fabricated which can be useful in stem cell studies.