NTU Singapore Unveils Revolutionary 'ExoArc' Chip, Transforming Blood Plasma Isolation and Precision Diagnostics

Scientists at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) have developed ExoArc, a coin-sized chip that can isolate plasma from blood in 30 min, removing over 99.9% of blood cells and platelets in one step. This method surpasses the current gold-standard centrifugation process, which can take up to an hour and may introduce contamination. ExoArc enables high-purity plasma extraction for clinical analysis of cell-free DNA, RNA, and extracellular vesicles, aiding in biomarker screening for diseases like cancer and diabetes.

NTU Singapore Unveils Revolutionary 'ExoArc' Chip: A Paradigm Shift in Blood Plasma Isolation

Singapore, July 19, 2023 - Scientists at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) have achieved a groundbreaking milestone in the field of clinical diagnostics with the development of 'ExoArc,' a compact and user-friendly chip that revolutionizes blood plasma isolation.

Replacing the Centrifuge: A Faster, More Accurate Approach

ExoArc, meticulously described in the prestigious journal ACS Nano, offers an elegant solution to the limitations of the current gold-standard method, the centrifuge. While centrifugation has long been the mainstay for isolating blood plasma, its multi-step process, extended duration, and potential for contamination have hindered its efficiency.

"Our aim was to develop a rapid and reliable alternative to the centrifuge, one that would provide high-purity plasma for precision diagnostics," said Associate Professor Hou Han Wei, lead scientist on the ExoArc project.

Harnessing the Power of Precision Microfluidics

ExoArc leverages cutting-edge microfluidics, employing tiny channels within a compact chip to expertly separate blood plasma from red and white blood cells, as well as platelets. This ingenious mechanism eliminates the need for physical membranes or filters, enhancing efficiency and minimizing the risk of sample alteration.

"We have harnessed a unique flow phenomenon within these microchannels to precisely separate biological components based on their size," explained Hou.

Validation and Applications: Precision in Action

In a proof-of-concept study, the NTU team constructed a portable ExoArc prototype device. Collaborating with clinicians from the National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS), Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH), and the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), they clinically validated ExoArc's capabilities.

Using a biomarker panel to analyze blood plasma samples from healthy individuals and cancer patients, the team demonstrated ExoArc's remarkable diagnostic accuracy. "By minimizing contamination from degraded blood cells, we significantly enhance the precision of diagnostic tests, reducing anxiety and ultimately improving patient care," said Professor Darren Lim, Senior Consultant at NCCS.

ExoArc's versatility extends beyond cancer diagnostics. The research team successfully employed the chip to study microRNA molecules from blood plasma samples of individuals with type 2 diabetes. This study highlighted ExoArc's potential for identifying disease-related biomarkers, unlocking avenues for personalized medicine.

"ExoArc holds immense promise for precision medicine, empowering clinicians to better manage chronic conditions like diabetes," said Associate Professor Rinkoo Dalan, Senior Consultant at TTSH.

Beyond Blood Plasma Isolation: A Versatile Platform

ExoArc's capabilities are not limited to blood plasma isolation. By adjusting its size cut-off, the platform can also be utilized to isolate bacteria or viruses from blood or other biofluids. This versatility opens up exciting possibilities for research and diagnostics in various medical fields.

Innovation with Global Impact

NTU has filed two patent applications for the ExoArc innovation through NTUitive, its innovation and enterprise company. With its potential to significantly reduce sample preparation time and enhance diagnostic accuracy, ExoArc is poised to transform clinical diagnostics worldwide.

"ExoArc represents a significant advancement in sample preparation for molecular diagnostics, offering a faster, more accurate, and more cost-effective solution," concluded Hou. "We are eager to see this technology adopted in clinics and hospitals, empowering healthcare professionals to deliver better patient outcomes."