Test-strips for monitoring cancer biomarkers in point-of-care

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Paper-based ELISA for fast CA 15–3 detection in point-of-care

Publication . Carneiro, Mariana C.C.G.; Rodrigues, R. V.; Moreira, Felismina; Sales, Maria Goreti Ferreira

The paper-based Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (P-ELISA) is a promising tool for diagnostic applications because the paper matrix is characterised by low cost, short analysis time, portability, and a high surface-to-volume ratio that allows the use of a small sample and reagent volume of a few microliters. In addition, colorimetric assays are suitable for low-resource areas due to their simplicity and naked-eye detectability. Although several works have been reported using paper-based colorimetric sensors for cancer biomarkers, P-ELISA for cancer antigen 15–3 (CA 15–3) has never been reported. Thus, this work reports the development of a rapid, simple and relatively inexpensive paper-based colorimetric assay for the detection of CA 15–3 as cancer biomarker. The assay was developed on a filter paper that was previously washed and chemically oxidized with periodate to generate aldehyde functional groups on the cellulose surface. After covalent binding of the first antibody, detection was performed by a colorimetric reaction based on the oxidation of the substrate 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) by a peroxidase enzyme in the presence of H2O2. The colorimetric measurement was based on digital image acquisition analysed using ImageJ software. The linear range of the assay in buffer ranged 2 to 1100 U/mL. The performance of the assay was also successfully tested in human serum from Cormay®, offering a linear range from 2 to 200 U/mL. Thus, this P-ELISA sensor is suitable for the analysis of serum samples, since the physiological value in cancer patients is 30 U/mL. We believe that this proof-of-concept has the potential to be extended to be applied to other protein biomarkers and to be a suitable tool for cancer screening in developing countries.

2022Journal article

Restricted access

Colorimetric Paper-Based Sensors against Cancer Biomarkers

Publication . Carneiro, Mariana; Rodrigues, R. V.; Moreira, Felismina; Ferreira Sales, Maria Goreti

Cancer is a major cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Detection and quantification of cancer biomarkers plays a critical role in cancer early diagnosis, screening, and treatment. Clinicians, particularly in developing countries, deal with high costs and limited resources for diagnostic systems. Using low-cost substrates to develop sensor devices could be very helpful. The interest in paper-based sensors with colorimetric detection increased exponentially in the last decade as they meet the criteria for point-of-care (PoC) devices. Cellulose and different nanomaterials have been used as substrate and colorimetric probes, respectively, for these types of devices in their different designs as spot tests, lateral-flow assays, dipsticks, and microfluidic paper-based devices (μPADs), offering low-cost and disposable devices. However, the main challenge with these devices is their low sensitivity and lack of efficiency in performing quantitative measurements. This review includes an overview of the use of paper for the development of sensing devices focusing on colorimetric detection and their application to cancer biomarkers. We highlight recent works reporting the use of paper in the development of colorimetric sensors for cancer biomarkers, such as proteins, nucleic acids, and others. Finally, we discuss the main advantages of these types of devices and highlight their major pitfalls.

2022Journal article

Open access