A high-performance microfluidic detection platform to conduct a novel multiple-biomarker panel for ovarian cancer screening

Abstract

Ovarian cancer is an important leading cause of cancer-related deaths among females, and a single biomarker does not have the sensitivity and specificity required for an effective ovarian cancer screening. Herein, we investigate a high-performance microfluidic detection platform to conduct a novel panel of multiple biomarkers for the early detection of ovarian carcinoma, which include CA125, HE4, OPN, MSLN, Hsp70, CA153, AFP, IL-6, and IL-8 using a microfluidic chip. High-throughput microfluidic chips and graphene oxide-assembled substrate are used to microprint repeatable capture antibody arrays and conduct multiple biomarkers in microscale volume samples. The proposed microfluidic platform achieves an ultralow detection limit of ∼1 pg mL⁻¹ and 0.01 U mL⁻¹ with excellent detection selectivity and a short detection time of 30 min. The analysis of serum biomarkers in 18 ovarian cancer patients and 4 healthy persons indicates a clear subgroup sorting between the high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma, borderline, and benign tumor patients, and healthy persons. The proposed detection platform and the biomarker panel are promising to conduct an early detection of ovarian cancer.