An All-in-One Microfluidic Platform Synergizing Hybrid Dean/Herringbone Vortex Mixing with Magnetophoretic Sorting...

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Nanotechnology
• Oncology

Background:

• Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are crucial biomarkers for liquid biopsy.
• Current EV isolation methods face challenges in efficiency and release.
• Microfluidic platforms offer potential for improved EV analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel microfluidic chip for high-performance EV isolation, profiling, and release.
• To enhance EV capture and release efficiency using integrated micromixing and magnetic trapping.
• To enable rapid and accurate on-chip detection of cancer biomarkers.

Main Methods:

• Development of a microfluidic chip with S-type microchannels and herringbone structures for enhanced mixing.
• Integration of magnetic trapping for efficient EV-immunomagnetic bead (IMB) retention.
• On-chip multiplexed immunolabeling of EV surface tumor biomarkers (EpCAM, PSA, CSV, CD63).

Main Results:

• Achieved high EV capture efficiency (>93%) and release rate (>79%).
• Demonstrated rapid EV isolation (<4 min) and high retention rate (>98%).
• Showcased 100% accuracy in discriminating cancer patients from healthy controls and >92% accuracy in distinguishing cancer subtypes.

Conclusions:

• The novel microfluidic chip provides a robust and efficient platform for EV-based cancer diagnostics.
• This technology facilitates cost-effective cancer screening and phenotyping.
• The integrated approach significantly advances the potential of liquid biopsy.