A glycan-based plasmonic sensor for prostate cancer diagnosis

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Analytical Chemistry
• Oncology

Background:

• Prostate cancer diagnosis relies heavily on prostate-specific antigen (PSA), which has limitations.
• Tumor-associated carbohydrate antigens (TACAs), like the Tn antigen, emerge early in cancer development.
• Novel biomarkers are needed to enhance the reliability of prostate cancer screening.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a novel biosensor for detecting prostate cancer.
• To utilize the Tn antigen as a target biomarker for improved prostate cancer diagnostics.
• To assess the sensor's performance in detecting anti-Tn antibodies in biological samples.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis and immobilization of the Tn antigen on a polydopamine/polyethylene oxide coated surface plasmon resonance sensor.
• Development of a reusable sensor with a detection limit in the nanomolar range.
• Testing the sensor with spiked buffer solutions and diluted human blood serum samples.

Main Results:

• The sensor demonstrated high sensitivity, detecting anti-Tn antibodies in the 0-10 nM range.
• Achieved detection limits of 0.1 nM in buffer and 0.3 nM in serum.
• The sensor was reusable over 60 times without significant sensitivity loss.
• Successfully discriminated between prostate cancer patients and healthy individuals using blood serum samples.

Conclusions:

• A novel carbohydrate-based biosensor utilizing the Tn antigen shows potential for prostate cancer diagnostics.
• The sensor offers high sensitivity, reusability, and the ability to differentiate patient samples.
• This TACA-targeted approach represents a promising advancement in prostate cancer screening and diagnosis.