Affinity-Enhanced CTC-Capturing Hydrogel Microparticles Fabricated by Degassed Mold Lithography

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Materials Science
• Oncology

Background:

• Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are crucial biomarkers in liquid biopsy for cancer management.
• Functionalized hydrogel microparticles (MPs) offer a promising affinity-based approach for CTC detection and isolation.
• Existing methods for MP synthesis have limitations in uniformity and functionality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and validate a novel synthesis method, degassed mold lithography (DML), for creating functionalized hydrogel MPs.
• To enhance the porosity and antibody conjugation efficiency of MPs for improved CTC capture.
• To compare the efficacy of DML-synthesized MPs against those produced by conventional stop flow lithography (SFL).

Main Methods:

• Hydrogel microparticles (MPs) were synthesized using degassed mold lithography (DML).
• MP porosity was controlled and analyzed via fluorescence intensity measurements.
• Antibody conjugation efficiency was assessed based on particle porosity.
• Selective cell capture was demonstrated using breast cancer cell lines.

Main Results:

• DML produced MPs with superior uniformity, integrity, and functionality compared to SFL.
• Increased MP porosity directly correlated with higher antibody loading capacity.
• DML-synthesized MPs demonstrated effective selective capture of breast cancer cells.

Conclusions:

• Degassed mold lithography (DML) is a powerful technique for synthesizing porous hydrogel MPs.
• DML enhances antibody conjugation and improves the cell affinity of MPs for CTC capture.
• This method holds significant potential for advancing liquid biopsy and early cancer diagnostics.