Engineering Peptide-Functionalized Biomimetic Nanointerfaces for Synergetic Capture of Circulating Tumor Cells in an...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Cancer Biology
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Detecting and monitoring circulating tumor cells (CTCs) is difficult due to their rarity, heterogeneity, and dynamic nature.
• Existing methods face challenges in capturing diverse CTC subpopulations and tracking treatment responses effectively.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a dual-affinity nanostructured platform for broad-spectrum CTC detection and long-term monitoring.
• To enable high-yield, high-purity, and viable capture of CTCs from whole blood.
• To facilitate early diagnosis, metastasis prediction, and prognosis assessment in cancer patients.

Main Methods:

• Stepwise assembly of fibrous scaffolds, a ligand-exchangeable spacer, and a LAPTM4B-targeting peptide to create biomimetic nanointerfaces.
• Utilizing the stable overexpression of lysosomal protein transmembrane 4 beta (LAPTM4B) in CTCs for enhanced peptide-protein binding.
• Employing stimuli-responsive and multivalent-binding properties for CTC capture and reversible release.

Main Results:

• High yield, purity, and viability of captured CTCs directly from whole blood.
• Successful capture of rare CTCs, including both epithelial-positive and nonepithelial subpopulations, from early-stage cancer patients.
• Demonstrated ability to track therapeutic responses and enable downstream molecular analysis of released CTCs.

Conclusions:

• The developed nanostructured platform offers a promising solution for the challenges in CTC detection and monitoring.
• The platform's ability to capture diverse CTCs and enable reversible release supports its potential for early diagnosis, metastasis prediction, and prognosis assessment.
• This technology could significantly advance personalized cancer care through improved monitoring and molecular profiling.