Analytical device miniaturization for the detection of circulating biomarkers

Abstract

Diverse (sub)cellular materials are secreted by cells into the systemic circulation at different stages of disease progression. These circulating biomarkers include whole cells, such as circulating tumour cells, subcellular extracellular vesicles and cell-free factors such as DNA, RNA and proteins. The biophysical and biomolecular state of circulating biomarkers carry a rich repertoire of molecular information that can be captured in the form of liquid biopsies for disease detection and monitoring. In this Review, we discuss miniaturized platforms that allow the minimally invasive and rapid detection and analysis of circulating biomarkers, accounting for their differences in size, concentration and molecular composition. We examine differently scaled materials and devices that can enrich, measure and analyse specific circulating biomarkers, outlining their distinct detection challenges. Finally, we highlight emerging opportunities in biomarker and device integration and provide key future milestones for their clinical translation.

Small-molecule probes from bench to bedside: advancing molecular analysis of drug–target interactions toward precision medicine

“…, probe design and technology development) will bring unprecedented opportunities to facilitate drug discovery and personalized medicine. 306,307 For example, new probe and assay designs with spatially precise photo-proximity labeling 308 and dynamic ratiometric imaging 309 are likely to further enhance the specificity, sensitivity, and accuracy of small-molecule probes to generate highly reliable data for drug evaluation, against complex background of different biological specimens. Likewise, technology advances in multiplexed microfluidic systems 310 and cycling imaging 311 which enhance information acquisition, at a high molecular resolution and processing throughput, can reveal previously masked signatures, generate multiparametric and multipopulation analysis, and establish disease-reflective biomarker composites.…”

Paper-Based Analytical Devices for Cancer Liquid Biopsy

“…Besides the diagnosis of the diseases, this procedure can be used to forecast the disease stages. 27 Proteins serve as receptor agents binding certain analytes in paper-based substances. They bind with proteins, which are usually attached to the surfaces of substances such as filter paper or membranes.…”

“…Some proteins from tumor cells can be detected in the blood. Besides the diagnosis of the diseases, this procedure can be used to forecast the disease stages . Proteins serve as receptor agents binding certain analytes in paper-based substances.…”

Dynamic Measurement of a Cancer Biomarker: Towards In Situ Application of a Fiber-Optic Ball Resonator Biosensor in CD44 Protein Detection

“…The monitoring of biomarkers is essential for assessing patients, directing treatment decisions, and evaluating the efficacy of medications, particularly in the field of precision medicine [ 4 , 5 ]. Conventional diagnostic techniques such as imaging and tissue biopsy have lower sensitivity and tend to be done in later stages of the disease, resulting in inefficiencies in medical decision-making processes [ 6 , 7 ]. Imaging techniques lack the capacity to precisely identify molecular activities and are insufficient for identifying slight and early alterations [ 6 ].…”

“…Conventional diagnostic techniques such as imaging and tissue biopsy have lower sensitivity and tend to be done in later stages of the disease, resulting in inefficiencies in medical decision-making processes [ 6 , 7 ]. Imaging techniques lack the capacity to precisely identify molecular activities and are insufficient for identifying slight and early alterations [ 6 ]. Whereas tissue biopsy is commonly used for cancer detection, its invasive characteristics and limited capacity to capture the dynamic aspects of the disease, like spatial variability and changes over time, are notable disadvantages [ 8 ].…”