DNA-inspired conjugated polymer biointerface for selective tumor cell capture and noninvasive release

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Bioelectronics
• Cancer Diagnostics

Background:

• Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are crucial biomarkers for early cancer detection and monitoring via liquid biopsies.
• Challenges in CTC analysis include their rarity, phenotypic heterogeneity, and difficulties in selective capture and non-destructive release.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and evaluate a novel DNA-inspired 3D conjugating polymer-aptamer biointerface for selective capture and triggered release of CEA-positive tumor cells.
• To assess the platform's efficiency, specificity, and cell viability preservation for potential liquid biopsy applications.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a CEA/PpAPT-PU@NCF composite via dip-coating a PpAPT-PU blend onto NCF, functionalized with CEA-specific DNA aptamers.
• Evaluation of the biointerface's capture efficiency for CEA-positive HCT116 cells and assessment of nonspecific binding.
• Optimization and application of fringe-field pulsed electric field (FF-PEF) for non-destructive release of captured cells.

Main Results:

• The CEA/PpAPT-PU@NCF composite demonstrated a high capture efficiency of 93% for CEA-positive cells with minimal nonspecific adhesion.
• Optimized FF-PEF conditions achieved up to 62.65% cell release efficiency while maintaining cell viability.
• The 3D structure and functional groups of the biointerface facilitated stable aptamer immobilization and compatible cell handling.

Conclusions:

• The developed CEA/PpAPT-PU@NCF biointerface offers a scalable solution for selective tumor cell capture and non-destructive release.
• This platform shows significant potential for advancing liquid biopsy techniques, downstream cellular analysis, and bioelectronic applications.