Localized Cell-Surface Sampling of a Secreted Factor Using Cell-Targeting Beads

Intercellular communication through the secretion of soluble factors plays a vital role in a wide range of biological processes (e.g., homeostasis, immune response), yet identification and quantification of many of these factors can be challenging due to their degradation or sequestration in cell culture media prior to analysis. Here, we present a customizable bead-based system capable of simultaneously binding to live cells (through antibody-mediated cell tethering) and capturing cell-secreted molecules. Our functionalized beads capture secreted molecules (e.g., hepatocyte growth factor secreted by fibroblasts) that are diminished when sampled via traditional supernatant analysis techniques (p < 0.05), effectively rescuing a reduced signal in the presence of neutralizing components in the cell culture media. Our system enables capture and analysis of molecules integral to chemical communication that would otherwise be markedly decreased prior to analysis.