BioFluidica has created the next-generation liquid biopsy with the creation of LiquidScan. LiquidScan isolates rare biomarkers present in liquid biopsy samples and works based on an antibody’s affinity and specificity for its complementary epitope/target. The nanochannels of a microfluidic device are surfaced with an antibody(s) against the desired target within a liquid biopsy sample, for example a circulating tumor cell (CTC) or an exosome subtype. The antibodies in the channels are tethered to the chip by linkers that allow for either photoactivated or enzymatic cleavage of the linker. A liquid biopsy sample is passed through the chip, allowing affinity capture of the desired biomarker. Following sample loading, the chips are washed to remove unwanted cells (background). The chips are then bathed in 415 nm light or treated with a heat-activated enzyme to cleave the linker and release the cells. Cells are then eluted and collected, ready for downstream analysis. The process results in enrichment over the background of captured biomarker, e.g., an eluate would have >10 CTCs in a total cell count of 100.

The channels of the LiquidScan microfluidic chips are surfaced with specific antibodies. LiquidScan technology relies on the affinity of the antibody under the flow conditions of loading sample on the chip, to “catch” the desired biomarker. The biomarker may be an antigen on a rare cell or exosome. Capture is critical, as is the ability to release the caught biomarker unencumbered. Released biomarkers are eluted from the chip in a volume ready for downstream molecular or immuno- analysis.

Below is described the basis of the proprietary catch-and-release chemistry. Efficiencies of catch-and-release for several cell culture types is shown to the left.

Any cell with specific cell surface markers can be isolated using LiquidScan.

Exosome surface proteins are used to enrich sub-populations using LiquidScan^™.

The LiquidScan System has been evaluated for diverse applications in oncology of solid tumors and blood-based cancers. The results are documented in peer-reviewed publications.

BioFluidica is a privately held biotechnology and liquid biopsy company. We have developed a revolutionary liquid biopsy platform allowing for the isolation and analysis of all liquid biopsy biomarkers, including rare cells, extracellular vesicles (EVs; exosomes), and cfDNA, on one fully automated platform. The Biofluidica platform has been clinically tested on nine different cancer and prenatal patient samples and is currently used for a large variety of research applications to advance the field of liquid biopsy. The ultralow sensitivity expands the capability of current liquid biopsy applications. We are expert consultants in exosome isolation, fetal cell (trophoblast)  isolation, CTC isolation, and next-generation liquid biopsy. We develop and launch innovative scientific instruments, reagents, and software systems designed to provide exceptional value for scientists, clinicians, and patients.