Single-Cell Imaging of Stiffness Changes in Circulating Tumour Cells (CTCs)

Single-Cell Imaging of Stiffness Changes in Circulating Tumour Cells (CTCs)

TÜBİTAK 1003   2017 – 2020   ·   Principal Investigator

This priority-area project developed a single-cell imaging technique that measures changes in the mechanical stiffness of circulating tumour cells (CTCs).

The platform combines microfluidic isolation, optical trapping, and quantitative phase imaging to detect mechanical phenotypes relevant to metastatic potential, treatment response, and tumour heterogeneity. Stiffness changes are measured at the level of individual cells, providing a label-free read-out that complements molecular biomarkers used in liquid-biopsy workflows.

The project produced multiple peer-reviewed publications in oncology- and bioengineering-relevant venues, including Nature Communications, Lab on a Chip, and Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical, and laid the groundwork for ASIL’s ongoing programme of research on cell mechanobiology and label-free single-cell analytics.

Funder: TÜBİTAK 1003 — Priority Areas R&D Projects Support Programme. Project period: 2017–2020.