Microfluidic Device for Aptamer-based Cancer Cell Capture and Gene Mutation Detection
- Detailed Technology Description
- This novel microfluidic device provides aplatform for capturing cancer cells and isolating the genomic DNA for specificamplification and sequence analysis, enabling physicians to use precisionmedicine in treating cancer.
- Others
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- Craighead,Harold G. and Reinholt, Sarah J. “Microfluidic Device for Aptamer-Based Cancer Cell Capture and Genetic Mutation Detection” Anal.Chem.2018, 90, 2601−2608. doi:10.1021/acs.analchem.7b0412
- Craighead,Harold G. and Reinholt, Sarah J. “MicrofluidicDevice for Aptamer-Based Cancer Cell Capture and Genetic Mutation Detection” Cornell NanoScale Science and Technology Facility 2015-2016 Research Accomplishments
- *Abstract
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Individual cancer cells contain vastcombinations of genetic mutations that result in numerous mechanisms formalignancy and have a tremendous impact on the efficacy of treatment. Identification of specific key mutations ofa patient’s cancer cells in a timely and cost-effective way would allowclinicians to prescribe the most effective treatment for that individualpatient. In addition, cancer cellsconstantly evolve and mutate, and regular testing of multiple important genesis beneficial for monitoring disease progression and determining futuretreatment.
The device and method developed byCornell University researchers enables fast and inexpensive testing of thegenomic DNA of cancer cells. The novelmicrofluidic device captures cancer cells and isolates the genomic DNA forspecific amplification and sequence analysis. To filter for specific cancer cells, a sample of cells travels through amicrofluidic channel into a micropillar array region. While flowing through the micropillar array,nucleic acid aptamers immobilized on the surface of the microfluidic channelbind to the desired cells and capture them within the micropillar array. Once captured, the cells are lysed chemicallyvia a second microfluidic channel that flows perpendicular to the first channelthrough the first micropillar array. Thegenomic DNA is captured downstream in the second microfluidic channel in anadditional, denser micropillar array region.
The isolated cancer cell genomictemplate DNA is retained through multiple consecutive rounds of isothermalamplification and different individual genes can be amplified separately. An inexpensive sequencing approach can then beused to identify any mutations. Thisapproach offers a way to monitor multiple genetic mutations in the same smallpopulation of cells, and requires very few cells to be extracted from thepatient sample.
Potential Applications
- Identification ofspecific cancer cell gene mutations for precision medicine and tailored treatment
Advantages
- Cost-effective,fast genetic sequencing
- Single, integrateddevice that captures selected cells and isolates DNA
- *Licensing
- Martin Teschlmt439@cornell.edu(607) 254-4454
- Country/Region
- USA
