Development of A Biosensor Testbed For Her2 Detection

Susan Braunhut, Biological Sciences 

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (Her2) is a surface molecule over-expressed in 25-30% of breast and colon cancers. These tumors are an aggressive subset, with HER2 expression indicative of low survival rates and high metastatic potential.  An Enzyme-Linked Immuno-Sorbent Assay (ELISA) is the major assay used for the detection of Her-2 in biological fluids, including tears, saliva, urine and blood. One of the shortcomings of ELISA is the inability to control the orientation of the first, immobilized antibody used. The ELISA assay could be optimized if antibodies were immobilized in an orientation that preserves antibody functionality.  This would maximize sensitivity and use smaller test samples. 

This study proposed development of a biosensor consisting of polymeric nanopatterned immobilized anti-Her-2 antibodies. Tests were carried out on gold and polystyrene beads, with or without different surface polymeric coatings. Mass binding and functional orientation were assessed. Antibody pairs for HER-2 detection were characterized using a sandwich ELISA and conditioned media derived from cultures of normal and malignant human cell lines.