Precise Molecular Profiling of Circulating Exosomes Using a Metal-Organic Framework-Based Sensing Interface and an...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Exosomes are promising circulating tumor biomarkers but challenging to profile due to heterogeneity.
• Current methods for exosome analysis lack convenience, multiparametric capabilities, and accuracy.
• Tumorous exosome profiling is crucial for early cancer diagnostics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a highly integrated electrochemical platform for molecular profiling of tumor exosomes.
• To enable convenient, multiparametric, and accurate analysis of exosomal protein and RNA markers.
• To establish a novel diagnostic tool for early breast cancer detection.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a metal-organic framework-functionalized sensing interface for exosome capture.
• Design of a single-chip sensing strategy for simultaneous analysis of exosomal protein and RNA.
• Integration of a protein enzyme-based logic gate for enhanced diagnostic accuracy.
• Utilizing a microfluidic electrochemical device for low-abundance target detection.

Main Results:

• The platform successfully collects exosomes from biofluids without pre-separation.
• Simultaneous detection of exosomal protein and RNA markers on a single chip.
• Detection of low-abundance targets (∼250 vesicles/10 μL).
• Achieved 100% sensitivity and specificity in identifying breast cancer patients using logical profiling.

Conclusions:

• The integrated electrochemical platform offers a powerful tool for molecular profiling of tumor exosomes.
• Logical profiling of exosomes demonstrates significant potential for early tumor diagnostics.
• This approach overcomes challenges in exosome analysis, paving the way for improved cancer detection.