Analysis of Nanoparticle Effects on Invasion of Cancer Cells

This document provides a protocol for a real-time, quantitative assessment of nanoparticle-mediated inhibition of cancer cell invasion. Although processes of cell migration and invasion have similar properties, they can be differentiated based on the ability of invasive cells to migratethrough either an extracellular matrix (ECM) or a basement membrane extract (BME). This protocol uses Matrigel as an extracellular matrix and analyzes the number of cells migrating through the Matrigel and porous membrane barriers with or without prior exposure to test nanoparticles. Nanoparticles, which intended mechanism of action involves the inhibition of cancer cell invasion, will result in a decrease in the number of cells migrated through these barriers.