Mg-based micromotors for efficient electrochemical detection of circulating tumor cells

The efficient capture and detection of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in blood is very important for the early detection of cancer. In this work, efficient detection of CTCs through electrochemical means utilizing Mg-Based micromotors was realized, the prepared Fe3O4/P/anti-E nanoparticle was subjected to modification using an aldehyde-amine condensation reaction to attach it to the Mg ball. Utilizing the asymmetrical structure of micromotor, we find that the movement range of the magnesium microsphere has obviously improved. On this basis, efficient capture of CTCs can be realized upon the modification of Fe3O4/P/anti-E with capturing cyclability ability. Such a behavior can be attributed to the anti-E modified on the micromotor can target the epithelial cell adhesion factors on CTCs. Furthermore, A funnel-shaped electrochemical detection device was developed to realize the electrochemical detection of captured CTCs based on the insularity of CTCs. The strategy can potentially provide new visions for the early detection and timely treatment of cancer.