Shenzhen University: DNA origami probe combined with surface plasma sensing technology helps early accurate diagnosis of lung cancer

Recently, Professor Zhang Han and Associate Researcher Chen Zhi from the School of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering at Shenzhen University published a study titled "Ultrasensitive DNA Origin Plasma Sensor for Accurate Detection in Circulating Tumor DNA" in Laser and Photonics Reviews, demonstrating the precise detection of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) using an ultra sensitive DNA origami plasma sensor.

Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide and also one of the most deadly cancers. Early diagnosis is crucial for improving cure rates and reducing mortality rates. However, traditional computed tomography (CT) screening faces serious challenges due to the legacy of pulmonary nodules caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.The research team was the first to publish a novel biosensing technology combining CRISPR/Cas12 system and SPR sensing in the early stage of research (Zhi Chen et al. National Science Review. 2022, 9 (8): nwac104), which combines high sensitivity and single base recognition ability.This study combines DNA origami probes with DNA scissors technology for SPR sensing: DNA origami probes provide a highly uniform structural arrangement on the chip surface, while DNA scissors achieve precise single base resolution cutting, while solving the limitations of low detection efficiency and inability to perform single base detection of traditional SPR technology chip surface biological probes. The synergistic effect of the two significantly improves the accuracy of detection, enabling SPR sensing technology to achieve higher sensitivity and accuracy.

This study provides a new tool for early diagnosis and treatment decision-making of lung cancer. Compared with traditional PCR detection methods, this technology not only has higher sensitivity and accuracy, but also can directly detect gene mutations without the need for amplification.The research team validated the effectiveness of this technology by detecting the T790M mutation in the EGFR gene (a key factor for early screening of lung cancer) and the G12C mutation in the KRAS gene (a therapeutic target for the targeted drug Adarasib) in non-small cell lung cancer patients. This technology not only achieves single base resolution, but also demonstrates the ability to detect low abundance nucleic acid targets in complex biological samples.This discovery is of great significance for promoting the development of precision medicine, greatly improving the diagnostic efficiency and treatment effectiveness of lung cancer patients, reducing their physical and psychological burden, optimizing the allocation of medical resources, providing new directions and possibilities for early diagnosis of lung cancer, and providing important scientific basis for future clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Source: Sensor Expert Network