Bio-inspired AS1411-Functionalized membrane for specific and non-destructive capture of tumor cells

The morphological characteristics of tumor cells can provide valuable visual insights into the degree of cell differentiation, which is crucial for accurate cancer grading and diagnosis. The development of biomaterials that can selectively capture these cells while preserving their morphology is essential for advancing cancer diagnosis and treatment. However, designing anti-adhesion biomaterials that possess the ability to capture tumor cells and maintain their structure is still a challenge. Inspired by the dynamic interactions between extracellular matrix and cellular receptors, we propose a versatile nanofibrous membrane functionalized with aptamers and protein binding. Fabricated through a facile polydopamine (PDA) coating on a polyurethane (PU) membrane, this platform provides a bioactive surface for binding functional molecules. The covalent chemistry of PDA allows for the binding of streptavidin (SA) and bovine serum albumin (BSA), forming a highly hydrophilic BSA/SA/PDA@PU membrane. Subsequently, a biotin-modified aptamer (AS1411), which specifically targets tumor cells, were further bound with SA to obtain the AS/BSA/SA/PDA@PU membrane. This modified membrane demonstrates high specificity in capturing tumor cells while preserving cell morphology, providing a promising approach for enhanced cancer diagnostics and therapeutic interventions.