Abstract
Aptamer-functionalized barcode particles are employed to capture and detect various types of circulating tumor cells (CTCs). The particles are spherical colloidal crystal clusters, and the reflection properties that arise from their structures is how their codes are evaluated. Aptamer functionalization (with TD05, Sgc8, and Sgd5) make the particles interact with specific CTC types; dendrimers are used to amplify the effect of the aptamers, allowing for increased sensitivity, reliability, and specificity in CTC capture, detection, and subsequent release.
Figure 1. a) Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of the barcode particles (left) and of the enlarged nanostructure surface of the barcode particles, revealing the nanoparticle array (right). Scale bars are 200 μm (left fi gure) and 1 μm (right fi gure). b) Microscopy images (insets) and refl ection spectra of seven different types of barcode particles. c) Schematic of the barcode particles used for enhanced CTC capture; the surface of the barcode particles is decorated with dendrimer and DNA aptamers.
Fuyin Zheng, Yao Cheng, Yuanjin Zhao, Zhongze Gu, et al. Aptamer-Functionalized Barcode Particles for the Capture and Detection of Multiple Types of Circulating Tumor Cells. Adv Mater. 2014 Sep 23. doi: 10.1002/adma.201403530.