Based on data, it is shown that around 70% of lung cancer deaths are due to metastasis. Although there are currently methods for detecting lung cancer metastasis, such as LDCT, MRI, or the commonly used CTC test with antibodies, they all have common problems: high testing costs and relatively low testing frequency. This means that monitoring for lung cancer metastasis cannot be effectively and intensively conducted. Therefore, we hope to improve the old antibody-based CTC test by replacing antibodies with DNA, in conjunction with folate receptors, to reduce costs and increase testing frequency.

Synthetic Biology: producing a DNA tetrahedron to replace antibodies

To replace the antibodies used in CTC detection, we apply synthetic biology to produce single-stranded DNA (ssDNA), which is folded into DNA tetrahedron (Fig. 2) and conjugated with folic acid to capture CTCs. To specifically label the captured CTCs, we produce a fusion protein composed of green fluorescent protein (mGreen Lantern, mGL) and folate receptor alpha (FRa) recognizing peptide, C7 (Fig. 3).

Hardware-1: Assembling fluid propulsion system for automatic CTC capture and labeling

1. Healthcare professionals collect a 7.5ml blood sample and isolate CTCs using Ficoll separation.
2. PBMCs are injected into a chamber, diluted with isotonic solution and transferred to the detection chamber.
3. FA-conjugated DNA tetrahedron captures CTCs and macrophages; uncaptured cells are directed to waste.
4. mGL-C7 fluorescent protein labels CTCs and trans-auto-splicing ssDNA releases stained CTCs.
5. CTC-containing solution is analysed in the quantification instrument, increasing accuracy.

Hardware-2: Applying microchannels and fluorescent detector to for CTC alignment and counting

1. The CTC quantification instrument uses a 488 nm laser to excite mGL-C7.
2. mGL-C7 emits light at 503 nm which is detected by a photodetector.
3. The emitted light is converted into a specific signal intensity.
4. The presence of mGL-C7-stained CTCs is determined by the specific signal intensity.

Final CTC Product - The protocol for users

We should establish a standard process for customers to clearly understand the significance of the test results and their own risk status. Therefore, within one week after the test is completed, we will send the report results to the customers and provide an assesment of risk indicators and recommendations on whether to seek medical attention. We will also send a copy to the attending physician so that they can discuss the patient's condition together.

For local middle-aged to elderly populations

People have a high risk of suffering lung cancer when they are over 55. Therefore, we go into the local community to hold activities for elderly at the Cancer open day.(Fig. 6)

For local younger populations

The education of young population always brings hopes and benefits in the future. Therefore, we organize Open Lab science camps(Fig. 7) and offer lung health bento(Fig. 8) on campus to provide a more tangible educational experience.

Internationally

Morden people are used to getting information from the internet. To share the importance of lung cancer prevention worldwide, we delivered the information on social media(Fig. 9) and through overseas friends(Fig. 10) and iGEM teams by postcards.

Summary

Tailoring information dissemination activities to different demographics and age groups allows our team to create a comprehensive plan for lung cancer prevention. Combined with improvements in technology, we believe our efforts are sufficient to reduce lung cancer deaths.

A. Benefits of the CTC-FAST Device

• Efficiency: The CTC-FAST device efficiently monitors lung cancer metastasis, providing a rapid and accurate method for early detection and intervention.
• Cost-effectiveness: By using DNA instead of antibodies to capture CTCs, the device reduces testing costs, making it more accessible to a broader population.
• High-frequency testing: Compared to traditional methods, the CTC-FAST device allows a higher testing frequency, allowing for more intensive monitoring and increasing the chances of successful detection.
• Specificity: The binding of DNA tetrahedron with folate acid enhances the specific capture of CTCs, reducing the rate of false positives.

B. Benefits of Information Delivery

• Awareness Boost: Information delivery raises public awareness about lung cancer prevention and early detection, encouraging people to adopt proactive health behaviors.
• Education: Disseminating knowledge and information about lung cancer to the community helps individuals understand risk factors, early symptoms, and screening methods.
• Risk Reduction: Providing effective preventive information helps people reduce their exposure to lung cancer risk factors, thereby lowering the risk of developing the disease.
• Increased Early Detection: Information delivery helps increase the chances of individuals seeking early lung cancer screening, leading to higher early diagnosis rates.

C. Two Sides of One Coin: Reducing Lung Cancer Deaths

• The CTC-FAST project combines the efficiency of CTC monitoring devices with comprehensive lung cancer information delivery, offering a more comprehensive and effective strategy for lung cancer prevention and control.
• By providing efficient monitoring, the project can detect lung cancer metastasis early, providing better treatment opportunities.
• Simultaneously, the project's information delivery activities help lower the risk of developing lung cancer by encouraging individuals to adopt proactive health measures.
• The holistic nature of the CTC-FAST project makes it a more comprehensive, sustainable, and successful solution for addressing global lung cancer issues, offering a better answer to the problem.