Efficient Isolation of Tumor Cells in Whole Blood Using Aptamers Immobilized in a Device

This paper describes the incorporation of DNA aptamers with a microfluidic device for the isolation of cancer cells from whole blood. Aptamers with specific binding to leukemia or colorectal cells were used as an alternative to antibodies that are often used for circulating tumor cell (CTC) sorting. The microfluidic device contained unique geometry and design of micropillars, and showed better performance than those in the literature. We applied the platform to whole blood analysis, and demonstrated the detection of 10 cancer cells in 1 mL of blood. The device was capable of processing 1 mL of blood within 28 minutes.