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Updated: Aug 8, 2025
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Capture and Release of Viable Circulating Tumor Cells from Blood
Published on: October 28, 2016
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Specific Aptamer Functionalization of Dense Ceramic by Click Chemistry Towards Circulating Tumor Cells Apheresis
Guislaine Barriere1, Michel Rigaud2, Clement Arrat3
1I.Ceram SME, R&D departments, Limoges, France.
Anticancer Research
|February 28, 2023
Summary
Researchers developed a novel medical device using alumina ceramic functionalized with aptamers to capture circulating tumor cells (CTCs). This innovation targets MUC1 biomarkers on CTCs, offering a potential method for metastasis control.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Oncology
Background:
- Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are key drivers of metastasis.
- Quantification of CTCs is crucial for understanding metastatic potential.
- Current methods for CTC management are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a medical device for capturing and potentially eliminating CTCs from blood.
- To functionalize an inert bioceramic material with aptamers targeting CTCs.
Main Methods:
- Chemical reactions were developed to covalently bind MUC1-specific DNA aptamers to an alumina (Al2O3) ceramic surface.
- The MUC1 biomarker, prevalent on tumor cells, was targeted for specific capture.
Main Results:
- Successful covalent binding of aptamers to the alumina surface was achieved.
- The biological activity of the aptamers was preserved after functionalization.
Conclusions:
- Functionalized alumina demonstrates potential for capturing circulating tumor cells.
- This technology offers a promising approach for developing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies against cancer metastasis.
