A Wireless Cytosensor Based on a Bionic Dandelion Isothermal Amplification System for Ultrasensitive Detection of Circulating Tumor Cells

Accurate detection of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) remains a critical challenge in clinical oncology due to limitations in sensitivity, cost-effectiveness, and operational complexity. In this study, a wireless cytosensor is developed, leveraging a bionic dandelion isothermal amplification system (BDIAS) and wireless lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) technology. The BDIAS, composed of a hexapod DNAwalker, nonlinear DNA self-assembly technology and an asymmetric carrier, and AuFe Janus nanoparticles (AuFe JNPs) with high signal probe loading efficiency, exhibits remarkable amplification efficiency. Compared with traditional isothermal amplification systems (TIASs), the BDIAS demonstrated a 6.72-fold enhancement in amplification efficiency. The wireless LFIA analysis technology, integrating a wireless fluorescence strip analyzer and smartphone, enables rapid and precise detection of fluorescence signals on the test line (T-line) of the LFIA strip, with interpretation of the results completed within one second. The wireless cytosensor, based on the synergistic integration of BDIAS and wireless LFIA technology, achieves an ultralow detection limit of 1.58 cells/mL while exhibiting remarkable operational simplicity. Furthermore, it demonstrates superior specificity and reproducibility. Notably, the proposed wireless cytosensor is capable of accurately detecting CTCs in whole-blood samples and exhibits robust anti-interference capabilities, rendering it highly promising for clinical applications.