MUC1 mucin a transmembrane glycoprotein is seen to be over expressed on human breast cancer cells (MCF-7) in primary and metastatic breast cancers. MUC1 specific Aptamer binds to the MUC1 on the MCF-7 surface enabling detection of cancer cells using our magnetic beads based colorimetric system. Aptamers are very specific for their target having equal or even better sensitivity and selectivity compared to antibodies. They form unique tertiary structures that help them to bind to non-nucleic acid targets. Presence of the target leads to color and measured absorbance, while the absence shows no absorbance or color. Detection limit being 1000 cells/mL and the detection range of 1000 cells to 100,000 cells; makes the colorimetric system highly sensitive and selective towards MCF-7 cancer cells. The colorimetric system was also successful in detecting MCF-7 cells in human blood.

Aptamer based highly sensitive and selective detection of breast cancer cells

245th National Meeting (2013)

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