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HUNTER-Chip: Bioinspired Hierarchically Aptamer Structure-Based Circulating Fetal Cell Isolation for Non-Invasive
Huimin Zhang1,2,3, Xiyuan Yu1,2, Yilong Liu2
1Institute of Molecular Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China.
Analytical Chemistry
|May 5, 2021
Summary
A novel aptamer-based system, HUNTER-Chip, significantly improves the capture and release of fetal cells from maternal blood for non-invasive prenatal testing. This breakthrough enhances diagnostic accuracy and potential for genetic analysis.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Genetics
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Non-invasive prenatal testing relies on isolating rare fetal cells from maternal blood.
- Existing methods face challenges in efficiency and non-destructive cell recovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an advanced aptamer-based system for highly efficient and non-destructive isolation of fetal cells.
- To enhance the capabilities of non-invasive prenatal diagnosis through improved cell capture technology.
Main Methods:
- Design of a Hierarchically mUltivalent aNTibody mimic intERface (HUNTER) using DNA nanostructures and aptamers.
- Integration of HUNTER with a deterministic lateral displacement (DLD) microdevice (HUNTER-Chip).
- Development of a nuclease-assisted strategy for non-destructive fetal cell release.
Main Results:
- HUNTER-Chip demonstrated a 65-fold increase in binding affinity and a 260%-fold increase in capture efficiency.
- The system enables efficient capture and non-destructive release of fetal cells.
- The isolated fetal cells are compatible with downstream genetic analysis, such as fluorescence in situ hybridization.
Conclusions:
- The HUNTER-Chip offers a highly efficient and sensitive platform for fetal cell isolation.
- This technology holds significant potential for advancing non-invasive prenatal diagnosis.
- Improved fetal cell capture and analysis can lead to earlier and more accurate genetic screening.
