Smart Nanopipette Technology for Studying 2D and 3D Cancer Models

This study presents a novel approach for studying 3D spheroids using glass nanopipettes and nanoelectrodes. The innovative application of these tools allows the investigation of spheroids from multiple perspectives. The first demonstration of this approach involved the use of scanning ion conductance microscopy (SICM), which enabled the spheroidal surface topography of U87MG (human glioblastoma) to be obtained for the first time. This was complemented by the mapping of Young's module. Furthermore, the electrochemical approach enabled the internal oxygen, reactive oxygen species(ROS) profiles to be obtained within the spheroids formed from primary cortical neurons and U87MG spheroids, representing a novel advancement in this field. The principal advantage of nanocapillary-based electrodes is their ability to perform minimally invasive measurements in the interior regions of spheroids, thereby facilitating precise electrochemical detection of oxygen and ROS levels at a given spheroid depth. This technological advance represents a significant step forward, opening up new opportunities for minimally invasive, high-resolution spheroid studies that can improve the development of therapies for tumor and neurodegenerative diseases.