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Capture and Release of Viable Circulating Tumor Cells from Blood
Published on: October 28, 2016
An electrical biosensor for the detection of circulating tumor cells
Yao-Kuang Chung1, Julien Reboud, Kok Chuan Lee
1Institute of Microelectronics, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, 11 Science Park Road, Singapore Science Park II, Singapore 117685, Singapore. ykchung@ms.mainz
Biosensors & Bioelectronics
|December 7, 2010
Summary
This study presents a novel electrical biosensor for detecting rare circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in blood. The system efficiently enriches and detects CTCs without fluorescence, offering a promising tool for cancer monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Oncology
- Electrical Engineering
Background:
- Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are crucial biomarkers for cancer detection and monitoring.
- Existing CTC detection methods often involve complex, time-consuming, and costly procedures like fluorescence labeling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and demonstrate a semi-integrated electrical biosensor for sensitive and efficient detection of rare CTCs in blood.
- To integrate sample enrichment and electronic detection into a single, user-friendly system.
Main Methods:
- A semi-integrated system combining immunomagnetic isolation and size filtration for CTC enrichment.
- Further magnetic concentration and immunochemical trapping on a microchip.
- Electronic detection of trapped CTCs using impedance spectroscopy on a microelectrode array (MEA).
Main Results:
- Achieved a CTC recovery rate above 70% for low cell numbers (10 spiked cells in 0.5 mL blood).
- Successfully distinguished three levels of spiked CTCs (30±2, 124±29, 273±23) in 10 μL samples via impedance changes.
- Demonstrated label-free detection, avoiding fluorescence and image analysis.
Conclusions:
- The developed electrical biosensor offers a sensitive, efficient, and cost-effective method for CTC detection.
- This integrated system has the potential for routine clinical use in monitoring cancer patient therapy and treatment response.
