Enhancing cancer detection: Developing a DNA Probe for electrode coating using Layer-by-Layer technique

• Grant number: 24/08699-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate (Direct)
• Start date: February 03, 2025
• End date: January 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Chemical Engineering - Chemical Technology
• Principal Investigator: Marisa Masumi Beppu
• Grantee: Eduarda Baggio Paglia
• Supervisor: Ariel Furst
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia Química (FEQ). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), United States
• Associated to the scholarship: 22/09966-4 - Production of coatings based on recombinant proteins for the selective capture of circulating tumor cells aiming diagnostic purposes, BP.DD

Abstract

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men worldwide, and early diagnosis of the disease is crucial for patient survival. Electrochemical biosensors represent an innovative approach to detecting circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and tumor biomarkers in blood, despite challenges in improving their sensitivity and selectivity. In this context, DNA probes can be designed to detect CTCs at various transition stages, targeting markers such as N-Cadherin, TWIST, Vimentin, EpCAM, and cytokeratin. Anchoring these DNA probes to electrodes can benefit from a combinatorial approach involving biomaterials responsive to cell adhesion for sensor coating. This work aims to develop and characterize a DNA probe for prostate cancer detection, investigating the synergistic effect of anchoring these probes onto nanostructured films with biological affinity for CTCs. The project will be conducted in the laboratory of Prof. Ariel Furst in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Researchers will develop specific DNA probes using materials already explored by the Lequip research group and coat interdigitated electrodes with a well-established production process by the Furst Lab. This will enable the development of a highly selective material for prostate cancer detection during a one-year exchange internship program.