Non-Invasive Cancer Detection Using Affinity Chromatography and SERS
Photo Credit: BENCHAMAT/Shutterstock.com
Researchers from Fujian Normal University, Funzhou, China, have developed a nonâinvasive cancer detection strategy based on gold nanoparticle surface-enhanced raman spectroscopy (SERS) and affinity chromatography (1).
As one of the greatest health burdens across the globe, cancer and all its forms rightly garner a large amount of clinical research attention with non-invasive and early cancer diagnosis being widely touted as necessary elements towards an effective strategy to minimize deaths. This is for obvious reasons with non-invasive procedures being much easier to carry out on a mass scale and early detection greatly increasing survival rates in most cancer cases. One area with potential is modified nucleosides, which are excreted through patient urine. An important biological matrix for determining a patient’s physical state, urinalysis is widely used in disease diagnosis. Its ease of collection aides in its usefulness as well as its ability to be continuously collected throughout an entire treatment process. However, urinary modified nucleosides are present at very low concentrations and their detection in such a complex matrix represents a significant challenge.
To achieve the necessary levels of sensitivity researchers first used affinity chromatography using a phenylboronic acid gel before analyzing samples using SERS and gold nanoparticles as a substrate.
To evaluate the utility of this method, urine samples from three groups of subjects were tested. These included nasopharyngeal cancer patients, esophaegeal cancer patients, and healthy volunteers. Results achieved diagnostic sensitivities above 90% and specificities above 95%, respectively. These results demonstrated the potential of this technique for non-invasive and label-free cancer detection and screening, with researchers currently conducting an inâdepth prospective study to verify the reliability of this new cancer detection method.
Reference
- S. Feng et al., Biosens. Bioelectron.91, 616–622 (2017).
The Next Frontier for Mass Spectrometry: Maximizing Ion Utilization
January 20th 2025In this podcast, Daniel DeBord, CTO of MOBILion Systems, describes a new high resolution mass spectrometry approach that promises to increase speed and sensitivity in omics applications. MOBILion recently introduced the PAMAF mode of operation, which stands for parallel accumulation with mobility aligned fragmentation. It substantially increases the fraction of ions used for mass spectrometry analysis by replacing the functionality of the quadrupole with high resolution ion mobility. Listen to learn more about this exciting new development.
Liquid Chromatography to Analyze Vitamin D Proteins in Psoriasis Patients
January 21st 2025Can a protein involved in delivering Vitamin D to target tissues have an altered serum profile in psoriasis patients with cardiovascular disease? Researchers used liquid chromatography (LC) to help find out.
The Complexity of Oligonucleotide Separations
January 9th 2025Peter Pellegrinelli, Applications Specialist at Advanced Materials Technology (AMT) explains the complexity of oligonucleotide separations due to the unique chemical properties of these molecules. Issues such as varying length, sequence complexity, and hydrophilic-hydrophobic characteristics make efficient separations difficult. Separation scientists are addressing these challenges by modifying mobile phase compositions, using varying ion-pairing reagents, and exploring alternative separation modes like HILIC and ion-exchange chromatography. Due to these complexities, AMT has introduced the HALO® OLIGO column, which offers high-resolution, fast separations through its innovative Fused-Core® technology and high pH stability. Alongside explaining the new column, Peter looks to the future of these separations and what is next to come.
A Guide To Finding the Ideal Syringe and Needle
January 20th 2025Hamilton has produced a series of reference guides to assist science professionals in finding the best-suited products and configurations for their applications. The Syringe and Needle Reference Guide provides detailed information on Hamilton Company’s full portfolio of syringes and needles. Everything from cleaning and preventative maintenance to individual part numbers are available for review. It also includes selection charts to help you choose between syringe terminations like cemented needles and luer tips.
