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Paper-Based Preconcentration and Isolation of Microvesicles and Exosomes
Published on: April 29, 2020
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Paper/PMMA hybrid device with a microvalve-controlled design for exosome isolation and analysis
Wen-Pin Hu1, Yi-Fang Lai2, Cao-An Vu2
1Department of Bioinformatics and Medical Engineering, Asia University, Taichung, 41354, Taiwan; Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, 41354, Taiwan.
Talanta
|June 24, 2023
Summary
This study introduces a novel paper/PMMA hybrid device for isolating exosomes and extracting exosomal microRNA (miRNA). This integrated system simplifies sample preparation for potential point-of-care testing (POCT).
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Analytical Chemistry
- Point-of-Care Diagnostics
Background:
- Exosomes and exosomal microRNA (miRNA) are crucial biomarkers for disease diagnosis.
- Current methods for exosome and exosomal miRNA isolation and analysis are often complex and time-consuming.
- Simplified and integrated sample preparation is needed for point-of-care testing (POCT).
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel paper/PMMA hybrid device for simultaneous exosome isolation and exosomal miRNA extraction.
- To integrate microvalve control for precise fluid handling on a paper-based platform.
- To evaluate the device's performance for potential application in POCT.
Main Methods:
- A paper/PMMA hybrid device integrating an immunoaffinity area for exosome capture and a sol-gel silica coating for miRNA extraction was fabricated.
- A microvalve-controlled design allowed for adjustable pore size and permeability, controlling fluid flow rate.
- Exosome quantification was performed using paper-based ELISA (p-ELISA), and exosomal miRNA was analyzed by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR).
Main Results:
- The paper-based ELISA demonstrated a limit of detection of 6 × 107 particles/mL and a limit of quantitation of 5.4 × 108 particles/mL for exosome measurement.
- RT-qPCR analysis showed that the Ct values for quantifying miR-21 using the developed device were comparable to those obtained with a commercial extraction kit.
- The microvalve-controlled design effectively regulated fluid flow, enabling integrated on-paper processing.
Conclusions:
- The developed paper/PMMA hybrid device offers a simplified and convenient approach for exosome isolation and exosomal miRNA extraction.
- The device's performance is comparable to commercial kits, suggesting its potential for POCT applications.
- Integration into POCT systems could significantly advance rapid and accessible disease diagnostics through exosomal miRNA analysis.

