Abstract
Conventional molecular recognition elements, such as antibodies, present issues for the development of biomolecular assays for use in point-of-care devices, implantable/wearables, and under-resourced settings. Additionally, antibody development and use, especially for highly multiplexed applications, can be slow and costly. We developed a perception-based platform based on an optical nanosensor array that leverages machine learning algorithms to detect multiple protein biomarkers in biofluids. We demonstrated this platform in gynecologic cancers, which are often diagnosed at advanced stages, leading to low survival rates. We investigated the platform for detection in uterine lavage samples, which are enriched with cancer biomarkers compared to blood. We found that the method enables the simultaneous detection of multiple biomarkers in patient samples, with F1-scores of ~0.95 in uterine lavage samples from cancer patients. This work demonstrates the potential of perception-based systems for the development of multiplexed sensors of disease biomarkers without the need for specific molecular recognition elements.
Competing Interest Statement
D.A.H. is cofounder with an equity interest in LipidSense, Inc. and a co-founder and officer with an equity interest in Goldilocks Therapeutics Inc. and Nirova Biosense, Inc., as well as a member of the scientific advisory boards of Concarlo Holdings, LLC, Nanorobotics, Inc., and Mediphage Bioceuticals, Inc. D.A.L has a consulting/advisory role for Tesaro/GSK, Merck and receives research funding to the institution from Merck, Tesaro, Clovis Oncology, Regeneron, Agenus, Takeda, Immunogen, VBL Therapeutics, Genentech, Celsion, Ambry, and Splash Pharmaceuticals. He also is a cofounder with an equity interest in Nirova BioSense, Inc.