Efficiently assessing the invasive capability of tumor cells is critical both for the research and treatment of cancer. Here, we report a novel method called the electrochemical trans-channel assay for efficient evaluation of tumor cell invasiveness. A bioinspired extracellular matrix degradation model (EDM) has been first fabricated on a porous anodic alumina (PAA) membrane to construct the electrochemical apparatus. Upon contacting the invasive tumor cells, invasive capability can be sensitively evaluated by the degree of EDM impairment, which is recorded by the electrochemical trans-channel ionic currents in a label-free manner. Compared to the most commonly used trans-well migration method, this assay can be accomplished in an efficient way that is significantly faster (20 min) and more convenient. Besides, quantitation can also be realized for monitoring the invasion process, which cannot be achieved by other currently used methods. Our proposed electrochemical trans-channel assay method has shown a synergistic effect for the evaluation of tumor cell invasiveness, providing a promising method for clinical assessment or prognostic applications of tumor metastasis.
Keywords: electrochemical biosensor; extracellular matrix; nanochannels; trans-well migration assay; tumor metastasis.