Work

A microfluidic electrochemical immunosensor for detection of CEA and Ki67 in 3D tumor spheroids

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Microfluidic chip-based electrochemical sensors have been developed to detect cancer biomarkers and monitor changes in the tumor microenvironment. However, the limitation of detecting only a single biomarker restricts their utility as accurate diagnostic tools. Simultaneous detection of multiple tumor biomarkers is important for early diagnosis of cancer. In this work, we report the development of a microfluidic-based electrochemical immunosensor platform capable of simultaneously observing multiple biomarkers expressed by three dimensions (3D) cell spheroids. The sensor platform employs a nanocomposite electrode material consisting of gold nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes, which enables sensitive and selective detection. The sensor was fabricated using 3D and printed circuit boards (PCB) printing techniques, demonstrating the feasibility of cost-effective manufacturing. The developed platform was able to quantitatively detect two key cancer biomarkers, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and Ki67, with limits of detection of 0.97 ng/mL for each. Furthermore, the sensor was successfully utilized to observe the knockdown of these biomarkers, showcasing its potential for both diagnostic and therapeutic monitoring applications. These results suggest that the presented electrochemical sensor platform provides a promising lab-on-a-chip technology for comprehensive 3D cell spheroid-based cancer biomarker analysis, which could have significant implications for future clinical diagnostics and personalized medicine. • Microfluidic electrochemical immunosensor for rapid, sensitive CEA/Ki67 detection in 3D tumor spheroids. • Low detection limit for precise biomarker quantification achieved. • Validated on murine/human CRC lines, detecting biomarker changes post-gene knockdown. • Potential for multiplexed detection, monitoring therapy response in cancer research shown.

Source: Materials Today Bio

DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2025.101768

Authors: Sujin Kim, Seonyeop Kim, Chanjin Ko, Wonseok Lee, Hwan Drew Kim

Institution: Korea National University of Transportation

Language: English

Topic: Microfluidic and Capillary Electrophoresis Applications

Subfield: Biomedical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,400