Optimization of long-term Breast Cancer Cell Culture using live Imaging in an automated Perfusion System

A significant quantity of questions remains in cellular biology. Some of them cannot be answered by applying traditional analytical techniques and request the development of new tools for research. Nowadays, the integration of microdevices and analytical platforms enables the acquisition of biological data in an agile and low-cost manner. Additionally, perfusion technologies allow us to recreate physiological microenvironments. For this reason, the integration of live-cell microscopy, perfusion, and microsystems, will enable control of the delivery of soluble factors and the tracking of single cells. These platforms have a vast potential to result in a better understanding of cell behavior, generating evidence for potential predictive models for disease treatment. We have developed a robust live-imaging fluidic system for studying breast cancer cells. Our data suggest fast and short pulses as the preferred strategy for perfused assays. This system will be the basis for further analysis of the effect of stimulatory growth factors and cytotoxic or cytostatic agents with therapeutic potential. Furthermore, we offer an overview of the challenges and considerations in the development of automated microsystems.