Lab-on-a-Chip Enables “Liquid Biopsy” of Cancer Cells

An ultra-sensitive diagnostic device was developed that enables “liquid biopsy” analysis. The device detects exosomes — tiny parcels of biological information produced by tumor cells to stimulate tumor growth or metastasize. Exosomes send messages to recipient cells and communicate molecular information important in many biological functions. While all cells produce exosomes, tumor cells are more active compared to normal cells.