Rapid Assessment of Surface Markers on Cancer Cells Using Immuno-Magnetic Separation and Multi-frequency Impedance Cytometry for Targeted Therapy

Sci Rep. 2020 Feb 20;10(1):3015. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-57540-7.

Abstract

The rapid qualitative assessment of surface markers on cancer cells can allow for point-of-care prediction of patient response to various cancer drugs. Preclinical studies targeting cells with an antibody to "activated" matriptase conjugated to a potent toxin show promise as a selective treatment for a variety of solid tumors. In this paper, we implemented a novel technique for electrical detection of proteins on surfaces of cancer cells using multi-frequency microfluidic impedance cytometry. The biosensor, consists of two gold microelectrodes on a glass substrate embedded in a PDMS microfluidic channel, is used in conjugation with immuno-magnetic separation of cancer cells, and is capable of differentiating between bare magnetic beads, cancer cells and bead-cell aggregates based on their various impedance and frequency responses. We demonstrated proof-of-concept based on detection of "activated" matriptase proteins on the surface of cultured Mantle cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers / metabolism*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Electric Impedance*
  • Electrodes
  • Flow Cytometry*
  • Humans
  • Immunomagnetic Separation*
  • Microtechnology
  • Models, Theoretical
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy*
  • Serine Endopeptidases / metabolism
  • Signal-To-Noise Ratio

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Serine Endopeptidases
  • matriptase