IM–CHIP: A Modular Impedance-Monitored Microphysiological Platform for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Drug Screening

Presentation Type

Visual Display

Conference Date

Spring 4-17-2026

Abstract

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive and difficult-to-treat subtype of breast cancer; current preclinical models have a low translational success rate, highlighting the need for more human-relevant platforms for drug screening. Microphysiological systems (MPS) address this gap by culturing human cells in physiologically relevant 3D architecture and perfused conditions. However, characterization of 3D cultures within MPS is often limited by destructive endpoint assays and time-intensive imaging, motivating the use of impedance-based sensing for non-destructive, real-time monitoring of cell behavior. In this work, IM–CHIP was developed as a reusable MPS integrating a 3D-printed polylactic acid (PLA) cassette, a poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) microfluidic device, a fish gelatin methacrylate (fGelMA) 3D scaffold, and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS)-doped poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) sidewall electrodes for  in situ  impedance interrogation. Device components were fabricated using low-cost, commercially available printers, supporting accessible and reproducible fabrication. Magnetic compression enabled repeatable, leak-free sealing and consistent device assembly. Impedance measurements demonstrated sensitivity to differences in liquid conductivity and measurable responses to variations in cell presence. The IM-CHIP will be tested for maintenance of cell viability and for testing model chemotherapeutic compounds, to better establish a modular foundation for impedance-based evaluation of cell physiology within 3D tumor-relevant tissue models.

Presenter

Gerard Lorio, James Balart, Brennan Comeaux, Dylan Rousselle, & Luke Lissard

Faculty Mentor

Todd Monroe

Award

2nd Place, Visual Displays; Top 5 Design Team, LSU College of Engineering

Academic Major

Biological Engineering; Biological Engineering; Biological Engineering; Biological Engineering; Biological Engineering

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