Automated Enrichment of DNA Biomarkers from Large-Volume Samples: Detection of B. burgdorferi Cell-Free DNA in Urine
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Liquid biopsies enable rapid and noninvasive analysis for disease biomarkers. However, in the early stages of a disease, biomarkers are often present in extremely dilute concentrations, making them difficult to isolate and quantify. We have developed an Automated Magnetically and Thermally Induced Conical Separator (Auto-MATICS), which enables purification and enrichment of trace biomarkers from large volume biological samples (up to 15 mL) using magnetic beads and thermally responsive alkane partitions (TRAPs). Here, we quantify the enrichment capabilities of the Auto-MATICS and demonstrate a diagnostic application by detecting fragmented genomic DNA from Borrelia burgdorferi (the bacteria that causes Lyme disease) in 15 mL synthetic urine samples. We achieved detection of approximately 0.1 copies/μL of fragmented DNA, nearly 200X better than in a perfectly clean but unenriched sample. We expect that the Auto-MATICS platform can have significant impact on a broad range of diagnostics applications in which trace biomarkers must be detected from large-volume complex biological matrices.
Source: Analytical Chemistry
Institution: University of Maryland, College Park
Language: English
Subfield: Analytical Chemistry
Field: Chemistry
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
Award: G2084004880
OpenAlex ID: W7126084526