Plasmonic Mesoporous Gold-Based SERS Biosensor for Ovarian Cancer-Derived Extracellular Vesicles

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are crucial biomarkers found in biofluids, reflecting physiological states and aiding in cancer detection.
• Placental Alkaline Phosphatase (PLAP) is a key biomarker for gynecological malignancies, particularly ovarian cancer (OC).
• Current EV detection methods face challenges in achieving high sensitivity and specificity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a nanoengineered mesoporous gold (mAu)-based Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) platform for rapid and ultrasensitive detection of PLAP-positive EVs.
• To evaluate the diagnostic performance of the mAu-SERS platform for ovarian cancer detection.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a mesoporous gold (mAu) nanostructure for enhanced SERS signal amplification.
• Development of an antibody-based assay for specific capture of PLAP-positive EVs.
• Utilizing SERS for ultrasensitive quantification of captured EVs.

Main Results:

• The mAu-SERS platform achieved ultrasensitive detection of as low as 100 EVs/mL with high reproducibility (RSD < 5%).
• Clinical validation demonstrated 90% sensitivity and 85% specificity in distinguishing OC patients from controls.
• The platform outperformed the conventional CA-125 biomarker in diagnostic accuracy.

Conclusions:

• The mAu-SERS platform offers a promising, minimally invasive diagnostic strategy for ovarian cancer.
• This technology demonstrates significant potential for early diagnosis and differential diagnosis of OC.
• The developed platform provides a sensitive and specific method for EV-based biomarker detection.