Developing LoC devices to aid in the early detection of lung cancer cells.

A research team from the University of Technology, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, has successfully researched, designed, and manufactured a multi-functional LoC system on a single platform, enabling the separation, enrichment, detection, and quantification of circulating cancer cells (CTCs) from liquid biopsy samples, opening up new application avenues in the early diagnosis of lung cancer.

The science and technology project "Research and development of a Lab-on-a-Chip (LoC) device for rapid detection and quantification of lung cancer cells based on aptamer-magnetic nanoparticle complex and impedance sensing structure, applied to advanced point-of-care devices to support early screening and diagnosis of lung cancer" will be implemented from January 2023 to December 2025, carried out by Prof. Dr. Chu Duc Trinh and his research team at the University of Technology.

The objectives of this project are to develop a process for immobilizing functional magnetic nanoparticles onto lung cancer cells using an aptamer-nanoparticle complex; to design and fabricate a LoC using a microfluidic chip platform integrated with an impedance sensor; and to test it on lung cancer samples from domestic healthcare facilities to evaluate its effectiveness in detecting and analyzing cancer cells.

Illustrative image.

According to the report, the team has fabricated 10 LoC bio-microfluidic chips for the separation and analysis of cancer cells; 3 complete systems using LoC chips integrating automatic separation and impedance sensing modules; a fabrication process for microfluidic chip structures integrating sensor electrodes; and a process for functionalizing the surface of magnetic nanoparticles using specific aptamers. All products met or exceeded the requirements in terms of quantity and quality.

The most significant new contribution of the mission is the successful design and fabrication of a fully integrated, multifunctional LoC system on a single microfluidic platform.

Unlike previous studies that often focused on individual functions, this system integrates the entire process from separation and enrichment to detection, quantification, and cell packaging. The device combines a specific biological recognition mechanism via an aptamer-magnetic nanoparticle complex with precise physical manipulation using magnetic fields, electric fields, and micro-impedance sensors, enabling the analysis of lung cancer cells.

This systems approach allows for the replacement of current manual, complex, and time-consuming testing procedures with an automated process, minimizing human error, significantly reducing analysis time, and ensuring the integrity of biological samples.

In terms of application, the project has created a complete, compact device platform that closely approximates the standards of modern point-of-care (PoC) devices.

The successful integration of complex techniques onto a compact microchip not only affirms the research team's mastery of microfluidic technology but also opens up new avenues for developing low-cost, highly accurate early cancer diagnostic devices with the potential for widespread deployment in lower-level healthcare facilities.

Cancer is one of the issues that has a significant impact on society today. Quantitative detection of lung cancer CTCs in liquid biopsy samples allows for diagnosis, early detection, prognosis, and treatment of cancer in patients.

The research, design, and manufacturing of Lab-on-a-Chip devices enable mastery of technology and proactive deployment of core technologies and techniques for isolating and detecting CTCs. This technological autonomy allows for direct domestic production and development, eliminating dependence on foreign components.

Furthermore, the development and application of this system also has positive social impacts, such as reducing pressure on healthcare facilities and lowering diagnostic costs for patients. Early and accurate detection will help patients receive timely treatment, contributing to reducing the burden on families and society.

This system could also open up opportunities for creating research products, promoting economic and technological development in the healthcare sector in Vietnam.

Center for Science and Technology Communication

Source: https://mst.gov.vn/phat-trien-thiet-bi-loc-ho-tro-phat-hien-som-te-bao-ung-thu-phoi-19725121115365691.htm