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ResearchCell-Based AssaysA label-free method has been developed to observe the biological activity of human breast cancer cells using photonic crystal biosensors incorporated within 96-well microplates. This method is used to study cell attachment, proliferation, and detachment induced by the exposure of cells to potential drug compounds. The biosensors and associated imaging instrument enable quantitative measurements and visualization of cell populations attached to the sensor surface with single cell resolution. Cells are not stained with proprietary reagents that typically induce the death of the cells under study. Repeated measurement of the same cells can be made without removing them from their culture environment which allows for the direct determination of proliferation and apoptosis rates. Furthermore, the assay is simpler and more rapid than alternative cell proliferation assays and can be used for high throughput screening applications. Using this method, the effect of 61 different plant extracts on breast cancer cells has been studied, in which some extracts were shown to reduce cell proliferation while some others enhanced the rate of proliferation. The results are applicable to a wide range of cell types and compound libraries and an assay for human pancreatic cancer cells is currently under development. Collaborator: Plant Extracts provided by: Sources of Funding:
(a) (b)
Figure 1: Peak Wavelength Shifts of a 6mm diameter well after breast cancer cell attachment (upper) and 24 hours after attachment (down) without chemical exposure (a) with exposure to a plant extract Sapindus Mukurossi, which enhanced cell proliferation (b) with exposure to a known drug Doxorubicin, which reduced cell proliferation (c) with exposure to a plant extract Curcumin, which reduced cell proliferation References:Journal Publications:
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Research Areas