Microfluidic-based diagnostics for cervical cancer cells

Biosens Bioelectron. 2006 Apr 15;21(10):1991-5. doi: 10.1016/j.bios.2005.09.005. Epub 2005 Oct 19.

Abstract

The use of biomarkers has facilitated the detection of specific tumor cells. However, the technology to apply these markers in a clinical setting has not kept pace with their increasing availability. In this project, we use an antibody-based microfluidics platform to recognize and capture cervical cancer cells. Because HPV-16 infection of cervical cells and up-regulation of alpha6-integrin cell surface receptors are correlated, we utilized alpha6-integrin as a capture antibody bound to the channel surface. Normal human glandular epithelial cells (HGEC), human cervical stromal cells (HCSC) and cervical cancer cells (HCCC) were suspended in PBS and flowed through the system. Greater than 30% of the cancer cells were captured while the capture of the normal cell types was less than 5%. The technique is sensitive and accurate. It is potentially useful in the detection of cervical cancer at all stages, as well as other of cancers with similar characteristics of cell surface antigen expression.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers, Tumor / metabolism
  • Biosensing Techniques
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Microfluidic Analytical Techniques*
  • Oncogene Proteins, Viral / metabolism
  • Repressor Proteins / metabolism
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / pathology

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • E6 protein, Human papillomavirus type 16
  • Oncogene Proteins, Viral
  • Repressor Proteins