Core-Shell Hydrogel Particles for Biomarker Preservation
Author Information
Author(s): Longo Caterina, Patanarut Alexis, George Tony, Bishop Barney, Zhou Weidong, Fredolini Claudia, Ross Mark M., Espina Virginia, Pellacani Giovanni, Petricoin Emanuel F. III, Liotta Lance A., Luchini Alessandra
Primary Institution: George Mason University
Hypothesis
Can core-shell hydrogel nanoparticles effectively harvest, concentrate, and preserve low abundance biomarkers from blood samples?
Conclusion
The study demonstrates that core-shell hydrogel nanoparticles can successfully concentrate and preserve low abundance biomarkers like PDGF from human serum.
Supporting Evidence
- Core-shell nanoparticles can sequester PDGF from its carrier protein albumin.
- PDGF concentration was increased to detectable levels using the nanoparticles.
- The particles protected PDGF from degradation by proteases.
- Similar results were observed for other low abundance chemokines.
- The technology can potentially be applied to whole blood for immediate biomarker preservation.
Takeaway
Scientists created tiny particles that can catch and keep important signals from our blood, helping doctors find diseases earlier.
Methodology
The study used hydrogel nanoparticles to capture and protect biomarkers from degradation in blood samples.
Limitations
The study primarily focused on a specific model biomarker (PDGF) and may not generalize to all biomarkers.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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