Biomaterials & Biomarkers
The development of implantable technologies allowing accurate and sensitive monitoring of cancer is a growing need in our society. Over the last few years, biomaterials have shown potential as the backbone of innovative strategies for monitoring physiological parameters, including those related to disease progression. Indeed, the design of biomaterial-based biosensors, specifically made to mimic living tissues, provides new possibilities for biocompatible and easy-to-use implantable technologies supporting personalized and remote patient monitoring.
In this regard, Project Sentinel | LinkedIn aims to develop an implantable biosensor based on hydrogels and plasmonic nanoparticles for remote monitoring of prostate cancer relapse. A hydrogel “chassis” aims to allow easy and fast implantation of the biosensor under the skin, while the embedded nanoparticles aim to generate a molecular fingerprint of the patient’s disease state, supporting remote surveillance of high-risk cancer patients.
As a key component of the biosensor, hydrogels constitute complex tridimensional (3D)-shaped low-cost platforms that can be engineered for advanced sensing applications. The precise control of shape, water absorption and functionality of hydrogels support the detection of multiple biomarkers.
Early detection of abnormal biomarkers profiles supports early intervention and better patient prognosis. Altered gene profiles are usually related to carcinogenesis (e.g. mutations in the Breast Cancer Gene (BRCA1), circulating microRNAs, etc.); similarly, the presence of specific antigens (e.g. prostate-specific antigen) and dysregulated pH dynamics are common cancer traits. Physiological complexity severely limits the ability to detect subtle variations in cancer biomarkers, which demands more sensitive precise and cost-effective diagnostic strategies. Integrated diagnostic tools that provide a remote overview of the patient's disease biomarkers hold great promise for early cancer diagnosis in high-risk patients.
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