Sensitive Visual Detection of Breast Cancer Cells via a Dual-Receptor (Aptamer/Antibody) Lateral Flow Biosensor

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Cancer Diagnostics

Background:

• Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are crucial biomarkers for cancer metastasis and prognosis.
• Sensitive and rapid detection of CTCs remains a challenge for early diagnosis and treatment monitoring.
• Current methods for CTC detection can be complex, time-consuming, and require specialized equipment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel dual-receptor lateral flow biosensor (LFB) for the visual detection of MCF-7 breast cancer cells as a model for CTCs.
• To establish a simple, cost-effective, and rapid point-of-care testing (POCT) platform for breast cancer screening.

Main Methods:

• A lateral flow biosensor was designed using MUC1-specific aptamers conjugated to gold nanoparticles as detection probes.
• An anti-MUC1 antibody was immobilized on the test line as a capture probe, forming an "aptamer-cell-antibody" sandwich complex.
• The biosensor was tested for its ability to detect MCF-7 cells in solution and spiked human blood samples.

Main Results:

• The developed LFB achieved a visual detection limit of 675 MCF-7 breast cancer cells.
• The biosensor demonstrated rapid, instrument-free visual readout within minutes.
• The assay showed robust performance in detecting breast cancer cells in spiked human blood samples.

Conclusions:

• The dual-receptor lateral flow biosensor provides a sensitive, rapid, and visual method for detecting breast cancer cells.
• This platform holds significant potential as a cost-effective dual-mode POCT for early breast cancer detection and monitoring of CTCs.
• The biosensor supports both visual screening and quantitative analysis, enhancing its clinical applicability.