Development of a lateral flow device based on biomimetic polymers (RADES-MIP-PSA) for the rapid and selective detection of PSA in the diagnosis of prostate cancer.

• Grant number: 25/15943-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor
• Start date: April 01, 2026
• End date: March 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Analytical Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Maria Del Pilar Taboada Sotomayor
• Grantee: Paula Mantovani dos Santos
• Supervisor: Maria Isabel Pividori
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química (IQ). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Araraquara. Araraquara , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Spain
• Associated to the scholarship: 24/11784-7 - Development of rapid analysis devices for PSA monitoring, using selective biomimetic polymers (RADEs-MIP-PSA) aiming to contribute to a better diagnosis of prostate cancer., BP.PD

Abstract

This project focuses on the development of lateral flow (LF) devices for the detection and monitoring of prostate-specific antigen (PSA/KLK3), with potential application in rapid, accessible, and low-cost diagnostics. To this end, molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) will be used to replace traditionally used antibodies, offering advantages such as high selectivity, physicochemical stability, and resistance to environmental variations, in addition to the ability to pre-concentrate the target molecule.The proposal involves incorporating MIPs synthesized via RAFT (Reversible Addition-Fragmentation Chain Transfer) polymerization into functionalized nitrocellulose strips, resulting in a biomimetic lateral flow system inspired by point-of-care (POCT) testing. The complexity inherent in obtaining MIPs selective for macromolecules, such as PSA, has been previously studied through in silico approaches conducted by the research group, allowing the selection of functional monomers with higher affinity and the optimization of interactions with the protein target. The system will be validated using synthetic urine and serum samples, as well as cell extracts or lysates from human prostate cell lines, including normal (PNT-2) and tumor cells (LNCaP, PC-3, and DU145). This experimental strategy allows for testing without the need for human clinical samples, maintaining scientific relevance and meeting ethical requirements.With strong technological appeal, this proposal aims to consolidate an innovative and alternative platform for prostate cancer diagnosis, promoting advances in the field of biomimetic analytical devices and integrating interdisciplinary knowledge ranging from materials chemistry to applied biotechnology. Furthermore, it will significantly contribute to strengthening Dr. Mantovani's scientific training, expanding her expertise and opening new perspectives for the development of future projects and innovative approaches in the field of clinical analysis and molecular diagnostics. (AU)