Analysis of chemical communication signals in 3D models via Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry and smart electronic devices to enhance breast cancer management

Vivian Darsa Maidantchik, Chemical Engineering, Technion, Haifa, Israel (viviandarsa@gmail.com)
Arnab Maity, Chemical Engineering, Technion, Haifa, Israel
Keren Weidenfeld, Department Of Human Biology And Medical Sciences, University Of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
Anna Tsukerman, Biomedical Engineering, Technion, Haifa, Israel
Dalit Barkan, Department Of Human Biology And Medical Sciences, University Of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
Sarit Larisch, Department Of Human Biology And Medical Sciences, University Of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
Shulamit Levenberg, Biomedical Engineering, Technion, Haifa, Israel
Hossam Haick, Chemical Engineering, Technion, Haifa, Israel

Three-dimensional cell-based structures, in comparison to two-dimensional cell culturing exhibit complex cellular interactions, offering deeper and more accurate insights into physiological pathways that may lead to disease development. Continuous and real-time monitoring of these models can yield valuable knowledge into mechanisms of disease development and potential therapeutic strategies.^1-4However, conventional diagnostic and follow-up methods lack real-time capabilities and are often destructive and costly.

A volatilomic analysis of human healthy and cancerous biopsies tissues, organoids originated from MCF-10 human breast cell line and T41-luc breast cancer murine cell line-based scaffolds was conducted utilizing Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). In addition, novel graphene oxide-based and zinc nanoparticle-based nanosensors were developed to acquire real-time spectrograms differentiating between the samples.

The novel hierarchical stacked geometrical configuration (HSGC) was developed using graphene oxide-based sensors functionalized with tailored ligands, composed of thiols and amines, printed on free-standing cellulose films, while the second device is composed of functionalized zinc nanoparticles on a polymeric platform.

The method successfully differentiated between healthy and cancerous samples, and between the different states of organoids during epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. HSGC device generated chromatograms of VOC spectra of the specimens in only 1-2 minutes, offering a rapid alternative to cryo-section analysis (45-60 minutes), or a wearable spectrometer.

The volatilomic analysis enables the identification of biochemical processes such as aromatic acid degradation, carbohydrate and lipid metabolisms, that can be associated with cancerous progression, in a non-destructive way and with real-time and continuous monitoring. The novel method presented offers the use of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered analysis of data provided by nanosensors, delivering faster and more accurate results in comparison to biopsies without additional effort, advancing the field of oncological-related biomarkers.

---

Short Biography of Presenting Author

My name is Vivian Darsa Maidantchik, I am a PhD student in Prof. Hossam Haick’s group, in the Laboratory for Nanomaterial-Based Devices at the Technion, Israel. I am originally from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and moved to Israel in 2016. I received my BSc degree in Chemical Engineering from the Technion in 2020, with a minor in Biochemical Process Engineering. I joined Prof. Haick´s group in March 2019, during my undergraduate research project, which focused on the synthesis and development of an innovative nanosensor array based on gold nanowires functionalized with thiols. During my BSc degree, I worked at Tower Semiconductor in the Yield Enhancement Department for two years.

I started my MSc degree in 2020, continuing to the PhD through the direct track, in the Department of Chemical Engineering under the supervision of Prof. Haick. My research focuses on the development of sensor arrays for detection of breast cancer biomarkers.