A microfluidic technique for quantification of steroids in core needle biopsies

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Endocrinology
• Personalized Medicine

Background:

• Core needle biopsy (CNB) is cost-effective and minimally invasive.
• Limited sample and analyte quantities in CNBs hinder their use in analytical settings.
• Steroid quantification is crucial for diagnosing and treating hormone-sensitive disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel analytical method for multiplexed steroid quantification in CNB samples.
• To overcome the challenge of limited sample volume in CNBs for steroid analysis.
• To enable personalized medicine approaches through precise steroid profiling.

Main Methods:

• Digital microfluidics for steroid extraction and solid-phase extraction cleanup.
• High-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) for analysis.
• Application to CNB samples with masses ranging from 2 to 8 mg.

Main Results:

• Achieved limits of detection of 3.6, 1.6, 5.8, and 8.5 fmol for estradiol, androstenedione, testosterone, and progesterone, respectively.
• Demonstrated successful multiplexed steroid quantification in small CNB tissue samples.
• Validated the method's sensitivity and applicability to minute biological samples.

Conclusions:

• The developed method allows for accurate steroid quantification in small CNB samples.
• This technique has the potential to inform personalized treatment strategies for hormone-sensitive disorders.
• Future applications may include routine steroid profiling in breast tissue CNBs for therapy optimization.