Opportunity
The diagnosis and prognosis of glioma currently rely heavily on invasive techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) scans, and intracranial biopsies. These methods are not only invasive but also lack the sensitivity to detect precise molecular signatures of glioma progression and metabolic adaptation. Existing techniques for exosome analysis, such as nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), dynamic light scattering (DLS), flow cytometry, western blotting, and ELISA, face significant limitations. For instance, NTA and DLS cannot detect specific exosomal biomarkers, while flow cytometry has limited resolution for particles smaller than 500 nm. Western blot and ELISA suffer from low sensitivity and potential protein contamination. There is a critical need for a non-invasive, highly sensitive method to detect exosomal proteins, which could serve as biomarkers for glioma progression and diagnosis.
Technology
This patent introduces an innovative method for detecting exosomal proteins, such as monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1) and cluster of differentiation 147 (CD147), using a combination of localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The method involves two key steps:
1. LSPR Detection: A sample (e.g., serum) is introduced onto a first sensor with gold nanostructures. The sensor is subjected to optical radiation to produce localized surface plasmon resonance, and the induced phase response is measured. This step detects the presence and quantity of exosomal proteins like MCT1 or CD147.
2. AFM Confirmation: The sample is then applied to a second sensor with nanostructures, and an AFM probe functionalized with antibodies (e.g., anti-MCT1 or anti-CD147) generates high-resolution 2D/3D topographic images. This step validates the LSPR results and provides additional morphological data.
The technology leverages self-assembly gold nano-islands (SAM-AuNIs) on sensor surfaces to enhance sensitivity and specificity. The method is label-free, non-invasive, and capable of detecting exosomal proteins at very low concentrations, making it ideal for clinical applications.
Advantages
- Non-invasive: Uses serum samples, avoiding invasive biopsies.
- High Sensitivity: Detects low concentrations of exosomal proteins with precision.
- Dual Validation: Combines LSPR (quantitative) and AFM (qualitative) for robust results.
- Specificity: Targets MCT1 and CD147, which are upregulated in glioma and correlate with
- disease progression.
- Clinical Utility: Enables early diagnosis and monitoring of glioma and other cancers.
Application
- Diagnosis: Early detection of glioma and malignant gliomas.
- Prognosis: Monitoring disease progression and treatment response.
- Research: Studying exosomal biomarkers in cancer metabolism.
- Therapeutics: Potential for developing targeted therapies based on exosomal protein levels.
