Recent advances in aptamer-based nanosystems and microfluidics devices for the detection of ovarian cancer biomarkers

Aptamer-based microfluidics for the detection of cancer biomarkers

Early diagnosis of cancer is a major concern in clinical medicine. Recently, aptamer-based microfluidics have offered promising platforms for the sensitive detection of cancer biomarkers. This review summarizes the application of aptamer sensors in the microfluidic platform for cancer biomarker analysis. The materials for microfluidic aptamer biosensor fabrication, unique design based on microposts, materials for enhanced detection capability, and the application principle of combining with other detection methods are introduced in detail, so as to demonstrate its development potential in cancer diagnosis and personalized therapy. Finally, the challenges and opportunities for developing miniaturized diagnostic platforms are discussed.

Recent Advances in Aptamers-Based Nanosystems for Diagnosis and Therapy of Cardiovascular Diseases: An Updated Review

The increasing global prevalence of cardiovascular diseases highlights the urgent need for innovative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Aptamers, small single-stranded nucleic acid molecules with exceptional specificity and affinity for target biomolecules, have emerged as promising tools for precise diagnostics and targeted therapies. Their selective binding capabilities provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying cardiovascular conditions. When integrated into nanosystems, aptamers enhance the delivery, bioavailability, and stability of diagnostic and therapeutic agents, addressing challenges of solubility and degradation. This integration enables more targeted drug delivery, advanced imaging techniques, and improved therapeutic interventions, ultimately improving the management of cardiovascular diseases. Recent advancements in aptamer selection methodologies, coupled with their unique three-dimensional structures, have significantly expanded their application potential in cardiovascular health. By combining aptamers with nanosystems, novel approaches to cardiovascular disease diagnosis and treatment are emerging, promising enhanced efficacy, safety, and precision. This review explores recent progress in the development and application of aptamer-based nanosystems in cardiovascular diagnostics and therapies.

Recent advances in surface plasmon resonance for the detection of ovarian cancer biomarkers: a thorough review

Early detection of ovarian cancer (OC) is crucial for effective management and treatment, as well as reducing mortality rates. However, the current diagnostic methods for OC are time-consuming and have low accuracy. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensors offer a promising alternative to conventional techniques, as they enable rapid and less invasive screening of various circulating indicators. These biosensors are widely used for biomolecular interaction analysis and detecting tumor markers, and they are currently being investigated as a rapid diagnostic tool for early-stage cancer detection. Our main focus is on the fundamental concepts and performance characteristics of SPR biosensors. We also discuss the latest advancements in SPR biosensors that enhance their sensitivity and enable high-throughput quantification of OC biomarkers, including CA125, HE4, CEA, and CA19-9. Finally, we address the future challenges that need to be overcome to advance SPR biosensors from research to clinical applications. The ultimate goal is to facilitate the translation of SPR biosensors into routine clinical practice for the early detection and management of OC.

Organoid modeling meets cancers of female reproductive tract

Diseases of the female reproductive system, especially malignant tumors, pose a serious threat to women's health worldwide. One of the key factors limiting research progress in this area is the lack of representative models. Organoid technology, especially tumor organoids, has been increasingly applied in the study of female reproductive system tumors due to their high heterogeneity, close resemblance to the physiological state, easy acquisition and cultivation advantages. They play a significant role in understanding the origin and causes of tumors, drug screening, and personalized treatment and more. This article reviews the organoid models for the female reproductive system, focusing on the cancer research advancements. It discusses the methods for constructing tumor organoids of the female reproductive tract and summarizes the limitations of current research. The aim is to offer a reference for future development and application of these organoid models, contributing to the advancement of anti-tumor drugs and treatment strategies for female reproductive tract cancer patients.

Recent Trends and Innovations in Bead-Based Biosensors for Cancer Detection

Demand is strong for sensitive, reliable, and cost-effective diagnostic tools for cancer detection. Accordingly, bead-based biosensors have emerged in recent years as promising diagnostic platforms based on wide-ranging cancer biomarkers owing to the versatility, high sensitivity, and flexibility to perform the multiplexing of beads. This comprehensive review highlights recent trends and innovations in the development of bead-based biosensors for cancer-biomarker detection. We introduce various types of bead-based biosensors such as optical, electrochemical, and magnetic biosensors, along with their respective advantages and limitations. Moreover, the review summarizes the latest advancements, including fabrication techniques, signal-amplification strategies, and integration with microfluidics and nanotechnology. Additionally, the challenges and future perspectives in the field of bead-based biosensors for cancer-biomarker detection are discussed. Understanding these innovations in bead-based biosensors can greatly contribute to improvements in cancer diagnostics, thereby facilitating early detection and personalized treatments.

Current Analytical Methods for the Sensitive Assay of New-Generation Ovarian Cancer Drugs in Pharmaceutical and Biological Samples

Ovarian cancer, which affects the female reproductive organs, is one of the most common types of cancer. Since this type of cancer has a high mortality rate from gynaecological cancers, the scientific community shows great interest in studies on its treatment. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgical treatment methods are used in its treatment. In the absence of targeted treatments in these treatment methods, side effects occur in patients, and patients show resistance to the drug. In addition, the underlying causes of ovarian cancer are still not fully known. The scientific world thinks that genetic factors, environmental conditions, and consumed foods may cause this cancer. The most important factor in the treatment of ovarian cancer is early diagnosis. Therefore, the drugs used in the treatment of ovarian cancer are platinum-based anticancer drugs. In addition to these drugs, the most preferred treatment method recently is targeted treatment approaches using poly(adenosine diphosphate ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors. In this review, studies on the sensitive analysis of the treatment methods of these new-generation drugs used in the treatment of ovarian cancer have been comprehensively examined. In addition, the basic features, structural aspects, and biological data of analytical methods used in treatments with new-generation drugs are explained. Analytical studies carried out in the literature in recent years aim to show future developments in how these new-generation drugs are used today and to guide future studies by comprehensively examining and explaining the structure-activity relationship, mechanism of action, toxicity, and pharmacokinetic studies. Finally, in this study, the methods used in the analysis of drugs used in the treatment of ovarian cancer and the studies conducted between 2015 and 2023 were discussed in detail.

Current strategies for early epithelial ovarian cancer detection using miRNA as a potential tool

Ovarian cancer is one of the most aggressive and significant malignant tumor forms in the female reproductive system. It is the leading cause of death among gynecological cancers owing to its metastasis. Since its preliminary disease symptoms are lacking, it is imperative to develop early diagnostic biomarkers to aid in treatment optimization and personalization. In this vein, microRNAs, which are short sequence non-coding molecules, displayed great potential as highly specific and sensitive biomarker. miRNAs have been extensively advocated and proven to serve an instrumental part in the clinical management of cancer, especially ovarian cancer, by promoting the cancer cell progression, invasion, delayed apoptosis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, metastasis of cancer cells, chemosensitivity and resistance and disease therapy. Here, we cover our present comprehension of the most up-to-date microRNA-based approaches to detect ovarian cancer, as well as current diagnostic and treatment strategies, the role of microRNAs as oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes, and their significance in ovarian cancer progression, prognosis, and therapy.

FAM Tag Size Separation-Based Capture-Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment for Sterigmatocystin-Binding Aptamers with High Specificity

Sterigmatocystin (ST) is a known toxin whose aptamer has rarely been reported because ST is a water-insoluble small-molecule target with few active sites, leading to difficulty in obtaining its aptamer using traditional target fixation screening methods. To obtain aptamer for ST, we incorporated FAM tag size separation into the capture-systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment and combined it with molecular activation for aptamer screening. The screening process was monitored using a quantitative polymerase chain reaction fluorescence amplification curve and recovery of negative-, counter-, and positive-selected ssDNA. The affinity and specificity of the aptamer were verified by constructing an aptamer-affinity column, and the binding sites were predicted using molecular docking simulations. The results showed that the Kd value of the H Seq02 aptamer was 25.3 nM. The aptamer-affinity column based on 2.3 nmol of H Seq02 exhibited a capacity of about 80 ng, demonstrating better specificity than commercially available antibody affinity columns. Molecular simulation docking predicted the binding sites for H Seq02 and ST, further explaining the improved specificity. In addition, circular dichroism and isothermal titration calorimetry were used to verify the interaction between the aptamer and target ST. This study lays the foundation for the development of a new ST detection method.

Glowing Octopus-Inspired Nanomachine: A Versatile Aptasensor for Efficient Capture, Imaging, Separation, and NIR-Triggered Release of Cancer Cells

The separation and analysis of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in liquid biopsy significantly facilitated clinical cancer diagnosis and personalized therapy. However, current methods face challenges in simultaneous efficient capturing, separation, and imaging of CTCs, and most of the devices cannot be reused/regenerated. We present here an innovative glowing octopus-inspired nanomachine (GOIN), capable of capturing, imaging, separating, and controlling the release of cancer cells from whole blood and normal cells. The GOIN comprises an aptamer-decorated magnetic fluorescent covalent organic framework (COF), which exhibits a strong affinity for nucleolin-overexpressed cancer cells through a multivalent binding effect. The captured cancer cells can be directly imaged using the intrinsic stable fluorescence of the COF layer in the GOIN. Employing magnet and NIR laser assistance enables easy separation and mild photothermal release of CTCs from the normal cells and the nanomachine without compromising cell viability. Moreover, the GOIN demonstrates a reusing capability, as the NIR-triggered CTC release is mild and nondestructive, allowing the GOIN to be reused at least three times.

Revolutionizing the female reproductive system research using microfluidic chip platform

Comprehensively understanding the female reproductive system is crucial for safeguarding fertility and preventing diseases concerning women's health. With the capacity to simulate the intricate physio- and patho-conditions, and provide diagnostic platforms, microfluidic chips have fundamentally transformed the knowledge and management of female reproductive health, which will ultimately promote the development of more effective assisted reproductive technologies, treatments, and drug screening approaches. This review elucidates diverse microfluidic systems in mimicking the ovary, fallopian tube, uterus, placenta and cervix, and we delve into the culture of follicles and oocytes, gametes' manipulation, cryopreservation, and permeability especially. We investigate the role of microfluidics in endometriosis and hysteromyoma, and explore their applications in ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer and cervical cancer. At last, the current status of assisted reproductive technology and integrated microfluidic devices are introduced briefly. Through delineating the multifarious advantages and challenges of the microfluidic technology, we chart a definitive course for future research in the woman health field. As the microfluidic technology continues to evolve and advance, it holds great promise for revolutionizing the diagnosis and treatment of female reproductive health issues, thus propelling us into a future where we can ultimately optimize the overall wellbeing and health of women everywhere.

Microfluidic platforms in diagnostic of ovarian cancer

The most important reason for death from ovarian cancer is the late diagnosis of this disease. The standard treatment of ovarian cancer includes surgery and chemotherapy based on platinum, which is associated with side effects for the body. Due to the nonspecific nature of clinical symptoms, developing a platform for early detection of this disease is needed. In recent decades, the advancements of microfluidic devices and systems have provided several advantages for diagnosing ovarian cancer. Designing and manufacturing new platforms using specialized technologies can be a big step toward improving the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of this group of diseases. Organ-on-a-chip microfluidic devices are increasingly used as a promising platform in cancer research, with a focus on specific biological aspects of the disease. This review focusing on ovarian cancer and microfluidic application technologies in its diagnosis. Additionally, it discusses microfluidic platforms and their potential future perspectives in advancing ovarian cancer diagnosis.

Aptamer-based carbohydrate antigen 125 sensor with molybdenum disulfide functional hybrid materials

Epithelial ovarian cancer is a malignant tumor of the female reproductive system with insidious symptoms, aggressiveness, risk of metastasis, and high mortality. Carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125), a standard biomarker for screening epithelial ovarian cancer, can be applied to track cancer progression and treatment response. Here, we constructed an aptamer-based electrochemical biosensor to achieve sensitive detection of CA125. Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) was used as the stable layered substrate, combined with the irregular branched structure of gold nanoflowers (AuNFs) to provide the sensing interface with a large specific surface area by one-step electrodeposition AuNFs@MoS2. The simplified electrode modification step increased the stability of the electrode while ensuring excellent electrochemical performance and providing many sulfhydryl binding sites. Then, AuNFs@MoS2/CA125 aptamer/MCH sensor was designed for CA125 detection. Based on AuNFs@MoS2 electrode, CA125 aptamer with sulfhydryl as the sensitive layer was fixed on the electrode by gold sulfur bonds. 6-Mercapto-1-hexanol (MCH) was used to block the electrode and reduce the non-specific adsorption. Finally, DPV analysis was applied for CA125 detection with the range of 0.0001 U/mL to 500 U/mL. Our designed aptamer sensor showed reasonable specificity, reproducibility, and stability. Clinical sample testing also proved the consistency of our sensor with the gold standard in negative/positive judgment. This work demonstrated a novel strategy for integrating nanostructures and biocompatibility to build advanced cancer biomarker sensors with promising applications.

Emerging integrated SERS-microfluidic devices for analysis of cancer-derived small extracellular vesicles

Cancer-derived small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) are specific subgroups of lipid bilayer vesicles secreted from cancer cells to the extracellular environment. They carry distinct biomolecules (e.g., proteins, lipids and nucleic acids) from their parent cancer cells. Therefore, the analysis of cancer-derived sEVs can provide valuable information for cancer diagnosis. However, the use of cancer-derived sEVs in clinics is still limited due to their small size, low amounts in circulating fluids, and heterogeneous molecular features, making their isolation and analysis challenging. Recently, microfluidic technology has gained great attention for its ability to isolate sEVs in minimal volume. In addition, microfluidics allows the isolation and detection of sEVs to be integrated into a single device, offering new opportunities for clinical application. Among various detection techniques, surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) has emerged as a promising candidate for integrating with microfluidic devices due to its ultra-sensitivity, stability, rapid readout, and multiplexing capability. In this tutorial review, we start with the design of microfluidics devices for isolation of sEVs and introduce the key factors to be considered for the design, and then discuss the integration of SERS and microfluidic devices by providing descriptive examples of the currently developed platforms. Lastly, we discuss the current limitations and provide our insights for utilising integrated SERS-microfluidics to isolate and analyse cancer-derived sEVs in clinical settings.

Editorial to the IJMS Special Issue "Aptamer-Mediated Cancer Theranostics"

Aptamers have emerged as a new generation of bioaffinity probes with enhanced target binding specificity and selectivity [...].

BioMOF-Based Anti-Cancer Drug Delivery Systems

A variety of nanomaterials have been developed specifically for biomedical applications, such as drug delivery in cancer treatment. These materials involve both synthetic and natural nanoparticles and nanofibers of varying dimensions. The efficacy of a drug delivery system (DDS) depends on its biocompatibility, intrinsic high surface area, high interconnected porosity, and chemical functionality. Recent advances in metal-organic framework (MOF) nanostructures have led to the achievement of these desirable features. MOFs consist of metal ions and organic linkers that are assembled in different geometries and can be produced in 0, 1, 2, or 3 dimensions. The defining features of MOFs are their outstanding surface area, interconnected porosity, and variable chemical functionality, which enable an endless range of modalities for loading drugs into their hierarchical structures. MOFs, coupled with biocompatibility requisites, are now regarded as highly successful DDSs for the treatment of diverse diseases. This review aims to present the development and applications of DDSs based on chemically-functionalized MOF nanostructures in the context of cancer treatment. A concise overview of the structure, synthesis, and mode of action of MOF-DDS is provided.

Aptamer-Based Cancer Cell Analysis and Treatment

Aptamers are a class of single-stranded DNA or RNA oligonucleotides that can exclusively bind to various targets with high affinity and selectivity. Regarded as "chemical antibodies", aptamers possess several intrinsic advantages, including easy synthesis, convenient modification, high programmability, and good biocompatibility. In recent decades, many studies have demonstrated the superiority of aptamers as molecular tools for various biological applications, particularly in the area of cancer theranostics. In this review, we focus on recent progress in developing aptamer-based strategies for the precise analysis and treatment of cancer cells.

Recent advances in the production, reprogramming, and application of CAR-T cells for treating hematological malignancies

As genetically engineered cells, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells express specific receptors on their surface to target and eliminate malignant cells. CAR proteins are equipped with elements that enhance the activity and survival of T cells. Once injected, CAR-T cells act as a "living drug" against tumor cells in the body. Up to now, CAR-T cell therapy has been demonstrated as a robust adoptive cell transfer (ACT) immunotherapeutic modality for eliminating tumor cells in refractory hematological malignancies. CAR-T cell therapy modality involves several steps, including the collecting of the blood from patients, the isolation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), the enrichment of CD4⁺/CD8⁺ T cell, the genetic reprogramming, the expansion of modified T cells, and the injection of genetically engineered T cells. The production of CAR-T cells is a multi-step procedure, which needs precise and safety management systems, including good manufacturing practice (GMP), and in-line quality control and assurance. The current study describes the structure of CARs and concentrates on the next generations of CARs that are engaged in enhancing the anti-tumor responses and safety of the engineered T cells. This paper also highlights the important concerns in quality control and nonclinical research of CAR-T cells, as well as general insights into the manufacture, reprogramming, and application of CAR-T cells based on new and enhanced techniques for treating hematological malignancies. Besides, the application of the CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing technology and nanocarrier-based delivery systems containing CAR coding sequences to overcome the limitations of CAR-T cell therapy has also been explained.

Microfluidic Systems for Cancer Diagnosis and Applications

Microfluidic devices have led to novel biological advances through the improvement of micro systems that can mimic and measure. Microsystems easily handle sub-microliter volumes, obviously with guidance presumably through laminated fluid flows. Microfluidic systems have production methods that do not need expert engineering, away from a centralized laboratory, and can implement basic and point of care analysis, and this has attracted attention to their widespread dissemination and adaptation to specific biological issues. The general use of microfluidic tools in clinical settings can be seen in pregnancy tests and diabetic control, but recently microfluidic platforms have become a key novel technology for cancer diagnostics. Cancer is a heterogeneous group of diseases that needs a multimodal paradigm to diagnose, manage, and treat. Using advanced technologies can enable this, providing better diagnosis and treatment for cancer patients. Microfluidic tools have evolved as a promising tool in the field of cancer such as detection of a single cancer cell, liquid biopsy, drug screening modeling angiogenesis, and metastasis detection. This review summarizes the need for the low-abundant blood and serum cancer diagnosis with microfluidic tools and the progress that has been followed to develop integrated microfluidic platforms for this application in the last few years.

Oligonucleotide aptamers: Recent advances in their screening, molecular conformation and therapeutic applications

Aptamers are single stranded oligonucleotides with specific recognition and binding ability to target molecules, which can be obtained by Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX). Aptamers have the advantages of low molecular weight, low immunogenicity, easy modification and high stability. They play promising role in promoting food safety, monitoring the environment and basic research, especially in clinical diagnosis and therapeutic drugs. To date, great achievements regarding the selection, modifications and application of aptamers have been made. However, since it is still a challenge to obtain aptamers with high affinity in a more effective way, few aptamer-based products have already successfully entered into clinical use. This review aims to provide a thorough overview of the latest advances in this rapidly developing field, focusing on aptamer screening methods for different targets, the structure of the interaction between aptamers and target substances, and the challenges and potential of current therapeutic aptamers.