ISSP UL E-mailLIMSCAMART2

Development of carbonic anhydrase IX test biosensor for cancer screening

Identification number: lzp-2021/1-0584

Type: Latvian Council of Science

Project duration: 2022 - 2024

Project manager: Dr.phys. Andris Anspoks, Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia

Project partners: Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis

Total funding: 300 000 EUR

ISSP UL budget: 156 000 EUR

Project aim: 

The aim of the project is to develop and test label free biosensors for the detection of carbonic anhydrase IX (CA IX) using an innovative microfluidic channel functionalized column-based design and combining two detection methods: electrochemical and spectroscopic. We plan to detect a carbonic anhydrase IX (CA IX) as a diagnostic marker for Cancer, which is the most widely expressed gene in response to hypoxia playing crucial role in intracellular pH maintenance representing how cancer cells adapt to the toxic conditions of the extracellular milieu.

Project summary: 

Typically, free CA IX levels are detected by immunoprecipitation, ELISA or Western Blot, both of which are time-consuming methods, not easily done in ambulatory settings. To address the technical issues in detection of free CA IX we propose construction of innovative biosensor, able to detect minute CA IX concentrations quickly and precisely in serum and urine samples by combining two detection methods and utilising a high area working electrode consisting of functionalized columns directly embedded in the microfluidic channel providing a high surface area to volume ratio from working surface to the sample. There are two novelties in this project: CA IX biosensor with multiple detection strategies on the same chip, as such allowing an internal process control (not present in existing designs). Innovative synthetic paper based on microfluidic channel metallized column design.

Expected scientific results

  • 2 research articles
  • 1 patent
  • 1 project proposal submitted
 

Project progress

12.06.2023.

  1. Preparation of the project progress report.
  2. Planning of further project development.

14.04.2023.

  1. Test strategy of bare OSTE surface functionalization with CA IX antibodies.
  2. Development of the process for OSTE surface coating with gold.
  3. Using XPS to identify interesting elements on the OSTE surface.

10.02.2023.

  1. Planning for 2023.
  2. Best strategy for OSTE surface functionalization with CA IX antibodies.
  3. Test possibilities for the functionalization of the OSTE surface with Au nanoparticles.
  4. Optimization of OSTE's synthetic papermaking technology.
  5. Development of electrochemical detection methods.

07.10.2022.

  1. Project participant Edmunds Zutis started his PhD studies at the University of Latvia.
  2. Optimization of the optical detection process.
  3. Optimization of synthetic paper manufacturing process.
  4. Optical spectroscopy characterization of OSTE and OSTE surfaces in progress.

07.07.2022.

  1. Synthetic paper manufacturing process is under development.
  2. The first test device is designed. The device for optical signal detection is created.
  3. The concept of optical detection of CA IX is tested.
  4. Gold electrode deposition on OSTE is under development.

02.03.2022.

  1. Regular monthly meetings of the project team take place in Zoom.
  2. A synthetic paper roadmap is being developed.
  3. A roadmap for the OSTE surface functionalization is developed.
  4. The proof of concept test setup for optical and electrochemical detection methods is in progress.
  5. Procurements are in progress.