Protocol for fabrication and utilization of the device for axon-cancer cell interaction testing

Ines Velazquez-Quesada; Kara Allison; Vahid Alizadeh; Erkan Tüzel; Bojana Gligorijevic

doi:10.1016/j.xpro.2025.103990

Protocol for fabrication and utilization of the device for axon-cancer cell interaction testing

Ines Velazquez-Quesada
, Kara Allison
, Vahid Alizadeh
, Erkan Tüzel
, Bojana Gligorijevic

Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment (CSM)

Temple University

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Abstract

The device for axon and cancer cell interaction testing (DACIT) mimics neuron-cancer interactions by compartmentalizing neuron soma and axons. Here, we present a protocol to design, fabricate, load, and image the DACIT. We describe steps for DACIT master generation, smooth-on mold replication, and DACIT fabrication. We then detail procedures for cell loading in 2D and 3D settings. This protocol also includes custom 3D-printed imaging holders. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Velazquez-Quesada et al.1.

Original language	English
Article number	103990
Pages (from-to)	103990
Journal	Star Protocols
Volume	7
Issue number	1
Early online date	Dec 29 2025
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xpro.2025.103990 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xpro.2025.103990
State	Published - Mar 20 2026

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being

Keywords

Animals
Axons/metabolism
Cell Communication/physiology
Cell Line, Tumor
Humans
Neoplasms/pathology
Neurons
Printing, Three-Dimensional

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AU - Alizadeh, Vahid

AU - Tüzel, Erkan

AU - Gligorijevic, Bojana

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KW - Cell Communication/physiology

KW - Cell Line, Tumor

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KW - Neoplasms/pathology

KW - Neurons

KW - Printing, Three-Dimensional

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Protocol for fabrication and utilization of the device for axon-cancer cell interaction testing

Abstract

UN SDGs

Keywords

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