DNA walker-powered SERS logic aptasensors for accurate imaging and identification of tumor cells

Identification of tumor cells is of vital importance for accurate diagnosis and treatment of tumors. Herein, DNA walker-powered SERS logic aptasensors were proposed for accurately identifying tumor cells by high-sensitively and specifically SERS imaging membrane proteins on single live cells. The SERS logic aptasensors consist of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs)-based Logic probes (LPs), Network probes (NPs) and EpCAM probes (EPs). As a proof-ofprinciple, the cells highly-expressed single EpCAM proteins, single MUC1 proteins, and both or neither the two proteins were tested respectively, and the SERS logic aptasensors can perform AND Boolean logic analysis by EpCAM-triggered DNA walker-powered assembly of AuNP network nanostructures (AuNNs) on cell membrane. By imaging SERS signals of single DTNB, single 4-MBA, simultaneous signals (4-MBA, 2-MBT and DTNB), or none, respectively, the cells with or without the high-expression of EpCAM and/or MUC1 proteins can be accurately and logically identified. Furthermore, the aptasensors were expanded to image the EpCAM and HER2 proteins on cells for accurately identifying the subtypes of breast cancer cells. The SERS logic aptasensors can achieve accurate identification and logic analysis of cancer cell classification and subtypes, and have broad potential applications in accurate diagnosis and treatment of tumors.

Automated summary

In this study, a DNA walker-powered SERS logic aptasensor was proposed for accurate identification of tumor cells. The aptasensor can sensitively and specifically image membrane proteins on single live cells, enabling logical analysis for cancer cell classification and subtypes.