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Aptamer-Mediated Protein Corona In Situ Multiplex Microfluidic Detection for Cancer Diagnosis
Weizhao Yao1,2, Yaru Li2,3, Yuling Du2
1Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Tianjin University, 300072 Tianjin, China.
Analytical Chemistry
|February 26, 2026
Summary
This study introduces a novel microfluidic platform using nanoparticle enrichment and CRISPR technology for sensitive detection of low-abundance protein biomarkers in liquid biopsies. The PACC platform offers a rapid, accurate, and scalable solution for precision oncology diagnostics.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Molecular Diagnostics
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Liquid biopsy faces challenges in detecting low-abundance protein biomarkers due to serum complexity and limited sensitivity.
- Existing methods struggle with single-target detection and require complex laboratory procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an integrated microfluidic platform for sensitive and rapid detection of low-abundance protein biomarkers.
- To overcome the limitations of current liquid biopsy techniques for point-of-care applications.
Main Methods:
- Developed a protein aptamer corona-CRISPR (PACC) platform integrating nanoparticle enrichment, multiplexed aptamer recognition, and CRISPR-Cas12a signal amplification.
- Utilized Fe3O4@SiO2 nanoparticles for magnetic separation and concentration of cancer-associated proteins from serum.
- Employed a 6-plex aptamer panel and CRISPR-Cas12a system for multiplexed detection and fluorescence signal generation within a 3D-printed microfluidic chip.
Main Results:
- The PACC platform demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity in detecting low-abundance protein biomarkers.
- Clinical validation with 112 serum samples showed an AUC of 0.95 and 88.24% accuracy.
- Achieved a rapid sample-to-answer process suitable for point-of-care testing.
Conclusions:
- The PACC platform effectively overcomes serum matrix interference and biomarker scarcity for enhanced liquid biopsy.
- This integrated approach offers a scalable, low-cost solution for detecting protein biomarkers, advancing precision oncology.
