A Colorimetric Immunoassay Based on g-C3N4@Fe3O4 Nanocomposite for Detection of Carcinoembryonic Antigen

Evaluation of the tumor-targeting specific imaging and killing effect of a CEA-targeting nanoparticle in colorectal cancer

INTRODUCTION

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a prevalent digestive malignancy with significant global mortality and morbidity rates. Improving diagnostic capabilities for CRC and investigating novel therapeutic approaches are pressing clinical imperatives. Additionally, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) has emerged as a highly promising candidate for both colorectal tumor imaging and treatment.

METHODS

A novel active CEA-targeting nanoparticle, CEA(Ab)-MSNs-ICG-Pt, was designed and synthesized, which served as a tumor-specific fluorescence agent to help in CRC near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging. In cell studies, CEA(Ab)-MSNs-ICG-Pt exhibited specific targeting to RKO cells through specific antibody-antigen binding of CEA, resulting in distribution both within and around these cells. The tumor-targeting-specific imaging capabilities of the nanoparticle were determined through in vivo fluorescence imaging experiments. Furthermore, the efficacy of the nanoparticle in delivering chemotherapeutics and its killing effect were evaluated both in vitro and in vivo.

RESULTS

The CEA(Ab)-MSNs-ICG-Pt nanoparticle, designed as a novel targeting agent for carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), exhibited dual functionality as a targeting fluorescent agent. This CEA-targeting nanoparticle showed exceptional efficacy in eradicating CRC cells in comparison to individual treatment modalities. Furthermore, it exhibits exceptional biosafety and biocompatibility properties. CEA(Ab)-MSNs-ICG-Pt exhibits significant promise due to its ability to selectively target tumors through NIR fluorescence imaging and effectively eradicate CRC cells with minimal adverse effects in both laboratory and in vivo environments.

CONCLUSION

The favorable characteristics of CEA(Ab)-MSNs-ICG-Pt offer opportunities for its application in chemotherapeutic interventions, tumor-specific NIR fluorescence imaging, and fluorescence-guided surgical procedures.

Recent developments on nanomaterial-based optical biosensor as potential Point-of-Care Testing (PoCT) probe in carcinoembryonic antigen detection: A review

For the past decades, several cancer biomarkers have been exploited for rapid and accurate prognosis or diagnosis purposes. In this review, the optical biosensor is targeted for carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) detection. The CEA level is a prominent parameter currently used in clinical cases for the prognosis of cancer-related diseases. Many nanomaterial-based biosensors are invented as alternatives for the commonly used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) immunoassay method in CEA detection as the traditional approach but they possess certain drawbacks such as tedious procedure, high technical demand, and costly. Nevertheless, the effort appears to be wasted as none of them are being actualised. Generally, the sensor function was carried out by converting bio-signals generated upon the interface of the receptor into light signals. These sensors were popular due to specific advantages such as sensitivity, being free from chemical and electromagnetic interferences, wide dynamic range, and being easy to be monitored. The features of PoC diagnostics are discussed and associated with the various applications of colorimetric-based and chemiluminescent-based biosensors. The roles of nanomaterials in each application were also summarised by comparing the modification, incubation period, lowest detection limit (LOD) and linear range of detection amount. The challenges and future perspectives were highlighted at the end of the review.