Multipurpose E-bioplatform targeting Kv channels in whole cancer cells and evaluating of their potential therapeutics

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Cancer Research
• Electrochemical Biosensing

Background:

• Potassium ion channels are crucial for cell functions and cancer progression.
• Existing methods for detecting ion channel activity in cancer cells are often complex and time-consuming.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a simple, rapid, and sensitive bioplatform for detecting potassium ion channel activity.
• To evaluate the bioplatform's efficacy in identifying ion channel inhibitors in cancer cells.

Main Methods:

• Cells expressing potassium channels were captured using magnetic immunoconjugates.
• Horseradish peroxidase-labeled antibodies were used for specific channel detection.
• Amperometric signal transduction on screen-printed carbon electrodes measured channel activity.

Main Results:

• The bioplatform successfully detected Kv channel activity in U87 human glioblastoma cells.
• It effectively identified the inhibitory effects of scorpion venom peptides (KAaH1 and KAaH2).
• High sensitivity was demonstrated, detecting as few as 5 U87 cells/mL and 0.06 μg/mL of KAaH2.

Conclusions:

• The developed bioplatform offers a sensitive and versatile tool for analyzing potassium channel activity and inhibitors in cancer cells.
• This technology has potential applications in cancer diagnostics, drug discovery, and theranostics for channelopathies.