Executive Summary : | Microfluidics, a subdomain of fluid mechanics, involves the transport of fluids in channels of the order of microns. The technology has evolved since the development of inkjet printers, with microfabrication techniques borrowed from the silicon chip industry being used to fabricate microchannels. The microfluidics community is large and established, particularly in biological engineering. Traditional methods involve two-dimensional (2D) cell cultures for studying cellular mechanisms, including cancer cell growth and progression. Recent advancements in three-dimensional (3D) organoids are promising for engineers and biologists, as they physiologically mimic the tumor microenvironment in-vitro. Organ-on-chip technology, derived from microfluidics, is already used to understand fundamental aspects of cancer progression. However, the full potential of microfluidics is not explored for understanding cancer growth and progression in this on-chip paradigm. This project aims to establish a framework for an interdisciplinary lab to study the biomechanics of cancer cells in a physiologically relevant 3D microenvironment. The project will involve establishing experimental facilities and recruiting manpower, with further funding sought through institutional grants, other funding bodies, and Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives. A proposal to the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) is already submitted as a Co-PI to explore the biological aspects of cancer and enhance the strategy of tackling the menace of cancer from multiple perspectives. |