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Aptamer-NASBA LOC as a prospective tool for systemic therapy of cancer: quantitative detection on signaling molecular
Xinyan Zhao1, Tao Dong, Zhaochu Yang
1Department of Micro and Nano Systems Technology, Norwegian Center of Expertise on Micro and Nanotechnology, Vestfold University College, Norway. Xinyan.Zhao@hive.no
Abstract:
As the present technology of cancer treatment cannot cure the diseases, a prospective therapy, named 'systemic therapy', brings forth a new trend in cancer treatment. The aptamer-NASBA-based lab-on-a-chip (LOC) for systemic therapy was designed, fabricated and tested as an ultra-sensitive tool to monitor signaling molecular profiling in serum samples. The chip is divided into four parallel functional areas, corresponding to four groups of signaling molecules (i.e. hormones, neurotransmitters, cytokines and tumor biomarkers). The results can help doctors fully understand the body of patients. The chip is modeled on a 384-well microplate, which is completely compatible with common microplate readers in a biological laboratory. It can distinguish 24 signaling molecules in the same blood sample quantitatively and simultaneously. The chip was made of PDMS and silicon with a deposited gold layer, which was coated by aptamers before bonding; then, the LOC was operated by external valves and a vacuum pump. Its performance was demonstrated by detecting the presence of a synthetic peptide, GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone) in artificial samples. The results indicated that the LOC has the potential to quantify traces of biomarkers even at subfemtomolar levels. Compared with our previous immuno-NASBA LOC, the aptamer-NASBA LOC showed an increased sensitivity and better repeatability.
Insights
A novel aptamer-nucleic acid sequence-based amplification (NASBA) lab-on-a-chip (LOC) offers ultra-sensitive monitoring of cancer biomarkers in serum. This system enhances early detection and understanding of patient conditions for improved systemic therapy.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Nanotechnology
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Current cancer treatments are insufficient for complete disease cure.
- Systemic therapy presents a promising new direction in cancer treatment.
- Monitoring signaling molecular profiles in patient serum is crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design, fabricate, and test an aptamer-nucleic acid sequence-based amplification (NASBA)-based lab-on-a-chip (LOC) for systemic therapy.
- To develop an ultra-sensitive tool for monitoring signaling molecular profiling in serum samples.
- To enable quantitative and simultaneous detection of multiple signaling molecules.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a multi-functional LOC using PDMS, silicon, and a gold layer coated with aptamers.
- Integration of external valves and a vacuum pump for LOC operation.
- Demonstration of performance by detecting synthetic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) in artificial samples.
Main Results:
- The aptamer-NASBA LOC can distinguish 24 signaling molecules quantitatively and simultaneously in a single blood sample.
- The chip is compatible with standard 384-well microplate readers.
- The LOC demonstrated potential for quantifying biomarkers at subfemtomolar levels, showing increased sensitivity and repeatability compared to previous immuno-NASBA LOCs.
Conclusions:
- The developed aptamer-NASBA LOC is a highly sensitive and repeatable tool for monitoring molecular profiles in serum.
- This technology can aid clinicians in fully understanding patient conditions for optimized systemic therapy.
- The LOC shows significant potential for early cancer detection and personalized treatment strategies.
