Nanoparticle-Based Liquid Biopsy Biosensors in Cancer

Abstract

Nanoparticle liquid biopsy biosensors have become a disruptive technology in cancer diagnostics, potentially substituting traditional tissue biopsies in offering a non-invasive, high sensitivity and real-time diagnostic method in a cancer patient. These biosensors hold the physicochemical characteristics of nanoparticles with that, high-surface-area, tunable optical properties, and magnetic responsiveness allow such biosensors to detect circulating tumor biomarkers, including, but not limited to, circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), microRNAs (miRNAs), circulating tumor cells (CTCs), and extracellular vesicles Nanomaterials, especially gold nanoparticles, magnetic nanoparticles, and quantum dots, have recently been employed and improved the ability of biosensing platforms to operate by offering increased signal amplification and bio-specific recognition.
Optical, electrochemical, and subsequent lateral flow detection systems have been integrated to make its use fast and point-of-care, which has enabled early cancer detection and constant monitoring of the disease. In spite of these developments, issues like reproducibility, mass production, and medical standardization continue to be key impediments to mass adoption. Continued advances in nanoparticle-based engineering and biosensor development, however, are extending the potential of liquid biopsy technologies by making them a foundational pillar to precision oncology and personalized medicine.