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Multiparametric Bioresorbable Sensor for Doxorubicin Detection via Molecularly Imprinted Synthetic Receptors
Martina Corsi1, Tiziano Di Giulio2, Eleonora Vandini3
1Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
Abstract:
Monitoring chemotherapeutic drug concentrations directly at the tumor site remains a critical unmet need in oncology, as conventional pharmacokinetic assessments based on systemic circulation fail to capture the spatial and temporal heterogeneity of drug distribution within solid tumors. Here, we report a bioresorbable, multiparametric optical sensor designed for the in situ detection of the chemotherapeutic agent doxorubicin. The sensor integrates a nanostructured porous silica scaffold with a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) synthetic receptor that provides shape- and chemistry-selective recognition of doxorubicin molecules. Molecular binding events are transduced through two orthogonal optical signals: i) shifts in effective optical thickness and ii) fluorescence intensity changes, enabling accurate and self-validating quantification across clinically relevant concentration ranges. The sensor operates reliably in serum with a limit of detection as low as 0.1 µg/mL, and exhibits reversible performance with minimal signal drift (<15.3%) over 12 weeks -consistent with standard chemotherapy regimens. In vivo implantation studies in mice confirm biodegradation and biocompatibility, with no evidence of local or systemic toxicity. This platform introduces a versatile strategy for multiparametric, bioresorbable chemical sensing using MIP synthetic receptors, establishing a foundation for future implantable diagnostics in precision chemotherapy.
Insights
A new bioresorbable optical sensor accurately measures doxorubicin chemotherapy drug levels directly at the tumor site. This self-validating sensor offers a promising tool for personalized cancer treatment and improved drug delivery monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Oncology
Background:
- Accurate monitoring of chemotherapy drug concentrations at the tumor site is crucial for effective cancer treatment.
- Conventional pharmacokinetic methods fail to account for drug distribution heterogeneity within solid tumors.
- There is a need for in situ, real-time monitoring of chemotherapeutic agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a novel bioresorbable, multiparametric optical sensor for in situ doxorubicin detection.
- To enable self-validating quantification of drug concentrations at the tumor site.
- To assess the sensor's performance, biocompatibility, and biodegradation for potential clinical application.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a bioresorbable sensor using a nanostructured porous silica scaffold.
- Integration of a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) for selective doxorubicin recognition.
- Transduction of molecular binding events via optical thickness shifts and fluorescence intensity changes.
- In vitro testing in serum and in vivo implantation studies in mice.
Main Results:
- The sensor achieved sensitive and selective detection of doxorubicin with a limit of detection of 0.1 µg/mL in serum.
- Multiparametric optical signals allowed for accurate and self-validating quantification.
- The sensor demonstrated reversible performance with minimal signal drift (<15.3%) over 12 weeks.
- In vivo studies confirmed sensor biodegradation and biocompatibility, with no observed toxicity.
Conclusions:
- The developed sensor provides a versatile platform for multiparametric, bioresorbable chemical sensing.
- This technology establishes a foundation for implantable diagnostics to guide precision chemotherapy.
- The sensor enables direct, in situ monitoring of drug concentrations, addressing a critical unmet need in oncology.
