MicroRNAs are short non-coding RNA sequences whose expression is deregulated in cancers. In particular, miR-21 microRNA is a promising biomarker for the diagnosis and the monitoring of patients with pancreatic cancer. In this work, we use the µLAS microfluidic technology developed by the LAAS-CNRS to concentrate and detect miR-21 in samples of increasing complexity. We demonstrate that this device is robust, highly sensitive (of the order of pM) and fast (30 sec) for the detection of this microRNA. We validate the µLAS technology in clinical situations by quantifying miR-21 in pancreatic cancer biopsies. This work is in line with the transdisciplinary research dynamics initiated between the LAAS-CNRS and the CRCT for the emergence of innovative technologies in the field of oncology, particularly in the framework of the “Biolican” collaborative platform located at the CRCT.

This work is an essential prerequisite for the use of novel and efficient nanodevices at the patient bed for the detection of biomarkers of interest, and represents a first step towards the development of new technological supports for liquid biopsy programs in oncology.

Discover the published article :

Biosens Bioelectron. 2021 Jan 27;178:112992.doi: 10.1016/j.bios.2021.112992. Online ahead of print.
micro-RNA 21 detection with a limit of 2 pM in 1 min using a size-accordable concentration module operated by electrohydrodynamic actuation
Inga Tijunelyte, Rémi Malbec, Bayan Chami, Jean Cacheux, Christophe Dez, Thierry Leichlé, Pierre Cordelier, Aurélien Bancaud

Key words :

• Biomarkers,
• nanodevices,
• cancer,
• microRNA

Collaborations and thanks

• LAAS-CNRS,
• Idex Oncodevice program

Contact :

Pierre Cordelier
Team “ImPACT : Therapeutic innovations in pancreatic cancer”
Mail : pierre.cordelier@inserm.fr

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