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Shape complementarity processes for ultrashort-burst sensitive M13-PEG-WS2-powered MCF-7 cancer cell sensors
Maria P Meivita1, Shao-Xiang Go1, Fitya S Mozar1
1Department of Science, Mathematics and Technology, Singapore University of Technology and Design, Singapore 487372, Singapore. natasa_bajalovic@sutd.edu.sg.
Nanoscale
|October 6, 2023
Summary
A novel Phage-based Digital Biomolecular Sensor (P-DBS) enables ultra-sensitive detection of cancer cells. This breakthrough in biomarker technology promises faster and more accurate early cancer diagnosis and monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Biomarkers are crucial for disease diagnosis, prediction, and monitoring, with cancer cell types being promising next-generation candidates.
- Traditional digital biomolecular sensor (DBS) technology faces challenges in detecting low cancer cell populations.
- Developing sensitive and specific methods for cancer cell detection is critical for clinical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel sensor system for specific, rapid, and sensitive detection of cancer cells.
- To utilize a combination of phage-integrated polymer and 2D nanomaterial for enhanced sensing capabilities.
- To achieve ultra-sensitive detection of clinically relevant cancer cell types, such as MCF-7 cells.
Main Methods:
- Engineered tungsten disulfide (WS2) 2D nanomaterial with M13-conjugated polyethylene glycol (PEG) via shape complementarity to create a Phage-integrated Polymer and Nanosheet (PPN).
- Developed a Phage-based Digital Biomolecular Sensor (P-DBS) utilizing the PPN for controlled electrical signatures.
- Employed atomistic simulations to understand the sensor's mechanism and structural origins.
Main Results:
- The P-DBS achieved a detection limit of 12 cells per μL for MCF-7 cells.
- Demonstrated a signal contrast of 1.25 between MCF-10A and MCF-7 cell samples.
- Attained a reading length of 200 μs with approximately 100% cell viability for both cell types using PNN.
Conclusions:
- The P-DBS offers an approach to ultra-sensitive detection of cancer cell types, overcoming limitations of traditional DBS.
- The combination of novel sensing materials and digital sensor design paves the way for early cancer diagnosis, staging, and monitoring.
- This technology holds significant promise for advancing cancer biomarker applications.
