Pump-Free Unidirectional Vertical Centrifugal Microfluidic Platform for Dynamic 3D Tumor Cluster Culture and Functional Drug Screening.

Abstract

Recapitulating the dynamic microenvironment is essential for advanced 3D cell culture and reliable drug testing, yet conventional static platforms lack physiologically relevant fluid dynamics. Here, a pump-free vertical dual-circulation centrifugal microfluidic platform is presented, enabling unidirectional medium flow and efficient nutrient exchange for hydrogel-based 3D cultures. By combining centrifugal and gravitational forces, this integrated system achieves stable long-term circulation and establishes tunable concentration gradients, supporting sustained tumor clusters growth under dynamic conditions. Compared with static systems, the platform significantly enhances tumor spheroid expansion, promotes complex morphological remodeling, and facilitates fusion events. Functional drug perfusion studies demonstrate improved doxorubicin distribution and reduced local drug accumulation. This new type of vertical centrifugal microfluidic platform provides a versatile solution for dynamic tissue culture and drug screening, advancing the capabilities of in vitro disease modeling and personalized medicine.