Functionalization of microfabricated devices aiming at the selective capture of cells circulating tumors for diagnostic purposes

• Grant number: 22/10053-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: October 01, 2022
• End date: January 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Chemical Engineering - Chemical Technology
• Principal Investigator: Marisa Masumi Beppu
• Grantee: Estela Knopp Kerstner Baldin
• Host Institution: Centro de Pesquisas Renato Archer (CENPRA). Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovação (Brasil). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 20/12980-3 - Functionalization of microfabricated devices aiming at the selective capture of circulating tumor cells for diagnostic purposes, AP.TEM

Abstract

Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide, and its early detection, associated with the appropriate therapeutic regimen, is the best option to substantially reduce the risk of mortality. Despite advances in the study of biomarkers for early diagnosis, strategies for their detection still require improvements in both selectivity for capturing circulating tumor cells (CTCs), and the sensitivity and feasibility of the detection method.This proposal aims to establish a collaboration synergy between three universities in the state of São Paulo (UNICAMP, USP and UNIFESP), CTI Renato Archer and two universities abroad (University of Laval and MIT), for the development of a platform for the diagnosis of oncological diseases from the detection of CTCs. It is intended to jointly explore the techniques of microfabrication, synthesis of recombinant proteins and surface functionalization via Layer-by-Layer for electrode development three-dimensional for the detection of different prostate, breast and thyroid tumor cell lines. These techniques will allow the production standardized substrates, functionalized with peptide sequences with affinity for integrins of tumor cells, enhancing the selective capture of CTCs from biological samples on electrodes of impedance. Understanding the biological recognition rules for different lineages of CTCs will require the investigation of factors that affect cell adhesion, such as the geometry of standardized substrates, the parameters of coating deposition and the affinity between the cells substrate macromolecules and the cell surface. In the end, this proposal hopes to establish the proof of concept of a platform that allows the detection of CTCs, facilitating the early clinical diagnosis of tumor diseases. (AU)