Pumpless microfluidic system seeks to make 3D tumor models more accessible to study

Three-dimensional tumor models with surround fluid flow that mimics the microenvironment have become increasingly useful in cancer biology owing to their ability closely replicate how cancers behave in the human body in ways conventional cell cultures can’t. Most microfluidic systems, however, rely on pumps, tubing, and specialized equipment that make them prohibitively costly and complex for widespread use.

Steinberg et al. have demonstrated a microfluidic system that eliminates pumps and tubing while still providing controlled flow for several biological assays. Integrating molds for spheroid assembly with a modular 3D-printed culture chamber, the stackable cartridge-like device allows researchers to run parallel assays under identical conditions with direct access to samples with commercially available syringes as structural elements to improve standardization.

“This work can help make advanced cancer models more widely available,” said author Ofra Benny. “Many researchers would like to use organ-on-chip technologies but are discouraged by their complexity and cost. By providing a simpler and more user-friendly alternative, this platform may encourage broader adoption of perfused 3D culture systems.”

Most pumpless approaches to date suffer from short flow duration, inconsistent unidirectional perfusion, and frequent reservoir replenishment. The group’s system attains continuous perfusion over several days by using a hydrogel-based flow resistor that generates passive pressure gradients.

The group tested the approach on three human ovarian cancer cell lines organized in spheroids, finding the 3D-printed cartridges maintained stable perfusion for three days before decreasing. As a result, the cell lines remained viable with demonstrable metabolic activity for one week.

The group next looks to focus on improving the platform’s robustness, reproducibility, and standardization to further promote its scalability and adoption.

“Ultimately, this could improve drug testing, cancer research, and the development of more predictive laboratory models,” Benny said.

Source: “A pump-free microfluidic device for integrated multi-functional testing of tumor spheroids,” by Eliana Steinberg, Gabriel D. Azulay, Alina Ruiz de Villa, Ouri Schwob, and Ofra Benny, APL Bioengineering (2026). The article can be accessed at https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0329306 .