Abstract

Integrated Isolation, Detection and Analysis of cf-DNA and Exosome Biomarkers from Cancer Patient Blood Samples - The Road to POC Liquid Biopsy Diagnostics

Michael Heller, Distinguished Scientist - Knight Cancer Institute, Center for Cancer Early Detection and Research (CEDAR), Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU)

New AC electrokinetic (ACE) microarray/chip device allows 15-20-minute isolation of cancer related cf-DNA, exosomal RNA and protein biomarkers directly from 20-50ul of patient blood, plasma or serum. Cf-DNA levels can be immediately determined directly on the chip (in-situ) using DNA specific dyes and then immunofluorescent analysis can be carried out to identify exosomal protein biomarkers. Presently, cf-DNA and exosomal RNA are then eluted from the ACE chip, and PCR and sequencing analysis carried out to identify the cancer-related point mutations. New procedures are now being developed to carry out on-chip PCR for DNA/RNA analysis. On-chip integration of proteomic and genomic analysis is a major step forward in the quest for seamless sample to answer POC liquid biopsy diagnostics.