Functionalized reduced graphene oxide with aptamer macroarray for cancer cell capture and fluorescence detection

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Cancer Diagnostics

Background:

• Early cancer detection is crucial for effective treatment and patient outcomes.
• Current methods for cancer cell detection can be complex and time-consuming.
• Developing sensitive and specific biosensors for cancer cells remains a significant challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an integrated aptamer macroarray for specific capture and sensitive detection of cancer cells.
• To leverage reduced graphene oxide (rGO) for enhanced cancer cell recognition and reduced non-specific binding.
• To establish a rapid, label-free detection method for cancer cells using a turn-on fluorescence strategy.

Main Methods:

• Functionalization of a macroarray with aptamers targeting epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) on a reduced graphene oxide (rGO) surface.
• Utilizing the synergistic effects of rGO's surface morphology and super-hydrophilicity for efficient cancer cell capture.
• Employing a turn-on fluorescence strategy triggered by aptamer conformational changes upon target recognition for direct readout.

Main Results:

• The aptamer macroarray demonstrated high efficiency in capturing cancer cells through specific EpCAM recognition.
• The rGO surface facilitated morphologic interactions and minimized non-specific cell capture.
• The biosensor achieved a working range of 1x10^2 to 2x10^4 cells/mL with a detection limit of 22 cells/mL.
• Direct fluorescence readout was possible without washing, separation, or dying steps.

Conclusions:

• The developed aptamer macroarray functionalized with rGO provides a sensitive and specific platform for cancer cell detection.
• This technology holds significant potential for early cancer diagnosis, therapy monitoring, and personalized treatment strategies.
• The integrated system offers a promising advancement in the field of cancer biosensing.