Label-Free FET Based Biosensor for Detection of Engineered CAR T-Cells at Single Cell Resolution

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Trang Anh Nguyen-Le - , Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) (Author)
  • Isli Cela - , Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) (Author)
  • Anja Feldmann - , Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) (Author)
  • Chang Ki Baek - , Pohang University of Science and Technology (Author)
  • Michael Bachmann - , Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) (Author)
  • Larysa Baraban - , Else Kröner Fresenius Center for Digital Health, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) (Author)

Abstract

Immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatment, with Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy emerging as a highly effective approach for, e.g., hematological malignancies. However, the complexity of this living drug necessitates efficient methods to ensure the identity of the engineered cells during manufacturing and post-infusion therapy monitoring. In this study, a proof-of-concept is presented using a silicon nanowire field-effect transistor (SiNW FET) nanosensing platform capable of label-free, real-time identification and quantification of CAR T-cells at single-cell resolution. The nanosensor's functionalized surface mimics tumor antigens, enabling selective interaction with CAR-expressing cells. This platform demonstrates exceptional specificity by distinguishing CAR T-cells from wild-type T-cells and quantifying cell populations with ultrasensitivity. These results establish the SiNW FET nanosensing platform as a promising tool for streamlining CAR T-cell manufacturing and post-treatment monitoring, improving quality assurance, and advancing clinical applications in immunotherapy.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere00029
JournalAdvanced Sensor Research
Volume4
Issue number9
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2025
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

ORCID /0000-0003-1010-2791/work/203072798

Keywords

Sustainable Development Goals

Keywords

  • biosensors, CAR T-cells, GMP production, immunotherapy, silicon nanowires