Work

A reliable high-throughput OECT-based bioelectronic system enabling pan-specific vesicle quantification

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Next-generation extracellular vesicle (EV) technologies are transforming biomanufacturing and functional product development. Quantifying EVs based on their membrane protein content is crucial for ensuring consistent yield, composition, and functional performance in manufacturing pipelines. Existing methods measure EV size and concentration but provide no information on membrane protein presence, whereas immunoaffinity approaches depend on specific markers that may be inconsistently expressed due to EV heterogeneity. Here we demonstrate a reliable bioelectronic system for pan-specific, high-throughput total EV quantification, achieving 12 independent parallel analysis in less than 15 min, with false-positive and false-negative rates below 1%. The system features multiple channel-functionalized arrays of organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) in a 3 × 4 matrix configuration. Click chemistry enables real-time detection of EVs with membrane proteins, with a limit of identification of 6 × 106 particles ml−1 and a dynamic range spanning three orders of magnitude. By integrating functionalized OECT arrays with 3D-printed fluidic devices into a low-cost, disposable cartridge operated by a compact silicon-based electronic reader, the system enables rapid, reliable, and pan-specific total EV quantification in a user-friendly format, opening opportunities for in-line quality control and scalable implementation in biomanufacturing and pharmaceutical processes.

Source: Biosensors and Bioelectronics X

DOI: 10.1016/j.biosx.2026.100755