A Proof-of-Concept Study on Bioelectric-Based Biosensing for Prostate-Specific Antigen Detection in Serum Samples

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Oncology Diagnostics
• Biosensor Technology

Background:

• Prostate cancer is a leading male malignancy globally.
• Accurate and early diagnostic methods are crucial for effective management.
• Current prostate-specific antigen (PSA) detection methods can be time-consuming.

Purpose of the Study:

• To validate a novel bioelectric impedance biosensor for PSA detection.
• To assess the biosensor's performance in human serum samples.
• To explore its potential for point-of-care applications.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Molecular Identification through Membrane Engineering (MIME) integrated with the xCELLigence platform.
• Employed Vero cells engineered with anti-PSA antibodies for impedance measurement.
• Optimized cell density and validated against PSA standards and clinical serum samples.

Main Results:

• The biosensor demonstrated specific, concentration-dependent impedance changes with PSA.
• Achieved rapid detection results within one minute.
• Showed significant differentiation between PSA-positive and negative serum samples, with strong diagnostic agreement.

Conclusions:

• The bioelectric impedance biosensor offers a fast and accurate method for PSA detection.
• Its specificity, sensitivity, and reproducibility support potential use in point-of-care screening.
• This technology could aid in reducing overdiagnosis and improving clinical decision-making for prostate cancer.