Nanostructure Embedded Substrates for Detection and Characterization of Circulating Tumor Cells*

Inspired by the nanoscale interactions observed in the tissue microenvironment, our research team at UCLA pioneered a unique concept of “NanoVelcro” cell-affinity substrates, in which capture agent-coated nanostructured substrates were utilized to immobilize Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) with high efficiency. The working mechanism of NanoVelcro cell-affinity substrates mimics that of Velcro: when the two fabric strips of a Velcro fastener are pressed together, tangling between the hairy surfaces on two strips leads to strong binding. Through continuous evolution, multiple generations of NanoVelcro CTC chips have been established to achieve different clinical utilities. In this presentation, I will summarize the continuous evolution of NanoVelcro CTC assays from the emergence of the original idea all the way to their applications in cancer research and oncology clinic. Our team believes that NanoVelcro CTC assays will lead the way for powerful and cost-efficient diagnostic platforms for researchers to better understand underlying disease mechanisms and for physicians to monitor real-time disease progression.