3DSecret aims to unravel stochastic patterns that drive cancer metastasis. To tackle this challenge, the consortium unites partners from Portugal, Spain, Italy, and the UK. In the coming weeks we will present each of the 3DSecret partners, their dedicated research teams, and how they will contribute to attain the objectives of 3DSecret. Stay tuned! 

The INL - International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory – acts as the 3DSecret project coordinator. The INL is an international intergovernmental research institution with the mission of becoming a leading global nanotechnology innovation hub.  

At INL, the Medical Devices research group is dedicated to translational medical research in close collaboration with the clinic. The group focuses on the development of tools and solutions based on microfluidics, nanotechnology, and biosensors towards early diagnosis and better understanding of diseases. 

The Medical Devices team dedicated to 3DSecret includes the project coordinator Dr Sara Abalde, technical manager Dr Miguel Xavier, Researchers Carolina Rodrigues and José Fernandes, PhD student Alexandra Teixeira and Master student Margarida Esteves.  

The team will study tumour spheroids derived from single circulating tumour cells captured from the peripheral blood of metastatic breast cancer patients. In addition to their growth kinetics, the temporal profile of the metabolomics of each spheroid will be studied by surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy using gold nanostars and a microfluidic platform allowing full spheroid traceability.