Characterization of Performance and Workload in a PDMS 184 Microfluidic Chip.

• Grant number: 25/20419-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: November 01, 2025
• End date: October 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Immunology - Cellular Immunology
• Principal Investigator: Luciane Alarcão Dias-Melicio
• Grantee: Mariana Fassina Augusto
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina (FMB). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Botucatu. Botucatu , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Osteosarcoma (OSA) is one of the main bone tumors in large-breed dogs, characterized by aggressive behavior and high metastatic potential, primarily to the lungs. Despite current therapeutic options, survival rates remain unsatisfactory, highlighting the need for experimental models that more accurately reflect the biological reality of the tumor. In this context, Organ-on-chip platforms represent a promising alternative, enabling the recreation of three-dimensional environments that mimic the tumor microenvironment. This research aims to develop a static PDMS 184 chip designed for the cultivation of canine osteosarcoma cells, allowing the investigation of adhesion, viability, and migration processes under controlled conditions, as well as interactions with other cell lines, particularly innate immune response cells. The proposal involves the computational design of the device, fluid dynamics simulation, fabrication through 3D printing, and the standardization of working volume protocols for cell culture and live-cell microscopy analysis. The data obtained will be subjected to appropriate statistical analysis to identify significant differences.