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Author Spotlight: Innovative Microneedle-Based Strategies for Enhanced Exosome Delivery and Stability
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Hydrogel Microneedles Extracting Exosomes for Early Detection of Colorectal Cancer
Wonchan Park1, Seong-Woo Maeng2, Jee Won Mok3
1Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, Republic of Korea.
Biomacromolecules
|March 13, 2023
Summary
This study introduces a noninvasive method for early tumor diagnosis using hydrogel microneedles to extract exosomes from interstitial fluid. This technique facilitates the detection of cancer biomarkers, improving early cancer detection and diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Oncology
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Current tumor diagnostic methods like circulating tumor DNA detection, circulating tumor cells, and imaging are time-consuming and invasive.
- Biopsy collection can cause patient discomfort and procedural delays.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a facile and noninvasive method for early tumor diagnosis.
- To utilize hydrogel microneedles (MNs) for extracting exosomes from interstitial fluid (ISF).
Main Methods:
- Hydrogel microneedles were designed to absorb ISF from the skin.
- Tumor exosomes in ISF were captured using glypican-1 antibodies integrated into the hydrogel.
- Exosomes were purified from ISF for biomarker analysis.
- Colorectal cancer was diagnosed in model mice using ELISA.
Main Results:
- The hydrogel MN system successfully extracted exosomes from ISF.
- Tumor-related biomarkers were analyzed from the purified exosomes.
- Colorectal cancer was accurately diagnosed in a mouse model.
Conclusions:
- The developed noninvasive hydrogel MN system provides an effective method for obtaining exosome samples for early cancer diagnosis.
- This approach offers a significant advancement in minimally invasive cancer detection and diagnosis.
