Integrated On-Chip Cellular Exosome Isolation and RNA Analysis Microsystem

Abstract

Exosomes have now received increasing focus as a promising biomarker for cancer diagnostics because of its specific biocomponents (including proteins, mRNA and lncRNA et al) acquired from parental cells. However, efficiently isolation and quantitative analysis of tumor-related exosomal nucleic acid is still in urgent need. Here, we present an integrated exosome processing microfluidic platform which combines exosome on-chip isolation and sensitive exosomal RNA analysis through droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR). Utilizing our system, samples from cell line supernatant could be rapidly detected and demonstrated remarkable detection signals. Owning to advantages including highly sensitive, pollution-free, high-volume (~ 25 µl), low cost and easy handling, our microfluidic system offers a promising means for early cancer diagnosis and prognosis in the era of liquid biopsy.