The innovative method promises rapid cancer diagnosis using ultrathin films

There are billions of tiny packets of cellular material called extracellular vesicles (EVs) produced by cells and released into the blood, saliva, and other body fluids of each individual. EVs contain invaluable information, such as proteins and genetic material, from their original cell that can provide information about the state of the body. Scientists have tried to harness EVs for their diagnostic and therapeutic potential, but have struggled to do so in a rapid and cost-effective manner.

In a study published in Smallresearchers at the University of Rochester outline a new method for using ultrathin films to easily identify EVs for rapid liquid biopsies. The method, called catch and display for liquid biopsy (CAD-LB), promises to quickly and affordably diagnose cancer and assess the progress of therapies used to treat diseases.

By searching samples of blood or other body fluids for these extracellular vesicles and the biomarkers they carry, you can find important clues that something is wrong in the body. The idea has been around for a while, but previously required multiple purification steps to isolate the EVs away from other components of the bio-fluid. CAD-LB is much simpler and faster, which gives it potential for clinical use that more complex methods lack.”

James McGrath, William R. Kenan Jr. Professor of Biomedical Engineering and head of the study

The team developed ultra-thin films with pores that are perfectly sized to grip electric cars. Once a blood sample is taken, it is quickly processed, pipetted onto a membrane and analyzed directly under the microscope. By measuring the number of pores that glow with the biomarker for the disease being assessed, users can get a quick estimate of how widespread the disease is in the body.

In addition to describing the CAD-LB method, the study demonstrated the ability of the method to identify critical immunomodulatory proteins in EVs. These proteins play an important role in helping the body fight tumors and can predict how well a patient may respond to immunotherapies.

“CAD-LB is currently sensitive enough to detect some cancers at a curable stage of their development, suggesting the technology’s potential for cancer screening,” says co-author Jonathan Flax, assistant professor in the Department of Urology at the Department of Medicine University of Rochester Center. . “It can also be used to predict the patient-specific choice of immunotherapies, treatment that directs the immune system to target and eliminate cancer cells.”

McGrath credited first author and biomedical engineering doctoral student Samuel Walker for leading the study, as well as the Wilmot Cancer Institute and the UR Ventures Technology Development Fund for providing key financial support.