A dual-modal aptasensor based on a multifunctional acridone derivate for exosomes detection

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Exosomes are crucial cancer biomarkers, but sensitive detection remains a challenge.
• Robust methods are needed for accurate exosome detection in cancer screening.
• Existing techniques face limitations in sensitivity and specificity for exosome analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel aptasensor for dual-modal detection and quantitation of exosomes.
• To utilize a multifunctional signal probe (10-benzyl-2-amino-acridone, BAA) for enhanced detection.
• To enable sensitive and accurate exosome analysis for cancer screening and clinical applications.

Main Methods:

• Exosomes captured using magnetic beads modified with cholesterol DNA anchors.
• Aptamer-conjugated copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) bind to MUC1 on exosomes, forming a sandwich structure.
• Dual-modal detection via colorimetric and photoelectrochemical assays using BAA probe and generated Cu2+.

Main Results:

• The aptasensor demonstrated sensitive colorimetric and photoelectrochemical detection of exosomes.
• Quantitative analysis achieved limits of detection of 1.09 × 10^3 particles/μL (colorimetric) and 1.38 × 10^3 particles/μL (photoelectrochemical).
• The dual-modal approach offers rapid screening and accurate quantitation, suitable for point-of-care testing.

Conclusions:

• The developed aptasensor provides a sensitive and accurate dual-modal platform for exosome detection.
• This toolset is valuable for studying exosome roles in diseases, particularly in clinical settings.
• The aptasensor facilitates exosome analysis for improved cancer screening and diagnostics.