eSPRcancer: Nova Ferramenta Analítica para o Diagnóstico do Cancro

The main goal of eSPRcancer project is to COMBINE OPTICAL AND ELECTROCHEMICAL responses (eSPR) with MOLECULAR IMPRINTING POLYMERS (MIPs), acting as robust artificial antibodies, to selectivity detect and quantify the presence of cancer biomarkers in biofluids in a very simple, rapid, sensitive, selective, label-free, and reproducible manner. The developed the opto-electrochemical detection methodology, integrating BIOMIMETIC recognition elements, will be tested in clinical context for sensitive determination of biomarker CA 15-3, aiming the early diagnosis of breast cancer and screening of distant metastases (e.g. brain or lung) at initial evaluation during follow-up of patients [3], improving its outcomes. Furthermore, accurate diagnosis of cancer disease in fundamental for efficacious treatment. To achieve this, it is fundamental to move from single to MULTIPLEX BIOMARKERS SCREENING that can provide PRECISION DIAGNOSTICS [17, 18]. Thus, the multiple simultaneous analysis of cancer biomarkers is envisaged in this proposal. According to our bibliographic research, this multi-analyte approach is very innovative and never attempted before. As proof of concept, simultaneous multi-marker detection of [CA 15-3 + CEA] is performed, for accurate postoperative disease surveillance in breast cancer patients [3]. Considering the drawbacks and limitations of existent commercial systems exploring this technology, we therefore take the opportunity to develop a new integrated sensing solution that constitutes a significant progress beyond the state of the art. Thus, the CIQUP research team in synergic collaboration physics experts from INESC TEC will establish the PROTOTYPING STRATEGIES for design and development of a new eSPR system that shall be transferred to industries in clinical and biomedical fields. To the best of our knowledge, this approach was never anticipated before, and it is our intention to file a patent. This plan is implemented by means of the following Experimental TASKS: Task 1: Synthesis of Self-Reporting Imprinted Receptor Films Task 2: Design, Development and Optimization of the eSPR Prototype Task 3: Analytical Application/Validation of the Dual-Modal Sensing Technology Task 4: Development of the Prototype for Multiplex Detection Task 5: Implementation/Validation of the Multiplex Dual-Modal Sensing Technology EXPECTED OUTCOMES The introduction of novel synthetic biomimetic receptors that can maximize detection performance in a cost-competitive manner is considered a key factor in this proposal. Plastic antibodies (MIPs) are considered in context of this proposal to overcome limitations arising from biological antibodies, providing the necessary selectivity and long-term stability for effective analysis of Cancer Biomarkers. Moreover, detection concept in very innovative, relying on the design and fabrication of self-reporting imprinted films by incorporating redox species within the polymeric layer for simultaneous dual-mode detection. The opto-electrochemical detection methodology brings in new important incomings to the cancer diagnosis field due to the label-free, rapid, and extremely simple detection procedures (instead of complex and laborious approaches, such as ELISA). Besides, the dual-mode analysis provides highly accurate analysis (and cross-validation effect) for Precision Diagnosis and sensitive enough to detect and identify cancer disease at the early stages and monitor patient follow-up after surgery.