Rapid and Highly Efficient Capture and Release of Cancer Cells Using Polymeric Microfibers Immobilized with Enzyme-cleavable Peptides

Statement Of Significance: In this paper, we report cell-capture and release methods using enzyme-cleavable peptides immobilized on microfiber fabrics which has microporous polymeric three-dimensional structures. Detachment and collection of the selectively captured cancer cells are required for ex vivo culture and their further analysis, whereas the cell detachment methods developed so far might cause cell damage, even if cell viability is high enough. Therefore, specific attachment and gentle detachment from the device are required for the accurate analysis of cells. In this study, for capture and release of cancer cells we designed the peptide cleavable by collagenase type IV, which has no target molecule in cells. Our system will be useful for further CTC analysis and might lead to more accurate cancer diagnosis.