Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is currently the third leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States, with the highest mortality rate of all major cancers. Early effective detection of PDAC remains a challenge, given the lack of symptoms early in the disease. This project focuses on developing a multiplexed digital ELISA immunoassay to conduct high throughput analyses of PDAC cancer biomarkers in a single scant human plasma sample. Multicolor magnetic nanoparticle MagSiGlow beads will be synthesized, and the multiplex nanowell array will be designed using robust techniques to allow for the simultaneous quantification of cancer biomarkers in purified extracellular vesicle (EV) samples. Nanowell arrays will be imaged using high-throughput microscopy, and beads will be rapidly analyzed for biomarker presence. The multiplexed digital ELISA assay will allow for quick, effective, and non-invasive early detection of PDAC to ultimately improve patient health outcomes.
CaNCURE Research Presentation: https://youtu.be/lRBaSGEvyCY
