Fig. 2

Dynamics of cancer growth within the BTB model. a Representative time course images of single cells, spheroids, and spheroids under static conditions in the BTB model. Day 0 images shows phase contrast, while other timepoints show JIMT-1-BRs (green). Tumor cells were seeded at an average density of 150,000 cell mL⁻¹. White arrows show similarly sized spheroids at day 0 that grow only under flow conditions. b Spheroids showed a twofold increase in fluorescence over six days. Single cells displayed a small decrease in overall fluorescence over six days with both cell loss and proliferation. Data collected across n = 3 devices formed using single cells and n = 6 devices formed using spheroids. c Microvessel perfusion increased growth of cancer spheroids. Spheroid size is reported as the projected area of all spheroids in maximum intensity projections. Data collected across n = 85 spheroids under flow (11 independent devices) and n = 18 spheroids cultured under static condition (5 independent devices). d–e Relationship of spheroid growth rate to distance from microvessel and initial spheroid size. The growth rate was determined from the difference in projected area of all spheroids between days 2 and 6. Data collected across n = 85 spheroids from 11 independent devices. Initial spheroid area is plotted on a log scale. Data are presented as mean ± SD. *p < 0.05