Microextraction in cancer research
I have already arrived home after an interesting meeting in Madeira island regarding the HCV project dedicated to
the study and characterization of human cancer volatome. The identification of
biomarkers in several biological specimens is really essential since it will allow
the development of analytical platforms for early detection of cancer or to
study the disease progression. In this context, microextraction techniques can
be used in two different scenarios. On the one hand, they can be used in the
preliminary research to isolate potential candidates as biomarkers from several
samples including urine or breath. On the other hand, once selected the appropriate
candidates, microextraction techniques can be used to design screening and/or
confirmation analytical methodologies for real-world tests.
The HCV project involves research
groups form different countries. The consortium includess researchers from the
Madeira University at Portugal, the National Centre for Cell Science at India, the
University of Rostock at Germany, the Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and
Diagnostics at India and the University of Alberta at Canada.
From the scientific point of view, I
was truly impressed for the quality of the work developed until now by
this consortium. Indeed, I witnessed the practical demonstration of a breath
sampling device that allows the trapping/preconcentration of potential
biomarkers before their analytical determination. From the personal point of
view, they form a multidisciplinary gifted group with a great ability to transmit
their passion for this research field. In short, they form a powerful network
that will success, for sure, achieving their objectives.
Impressive views of Madeira island from a cable car |
For me, these have been very good
days as a time for sharing science (Prof Hossam Haick presentation was also truly inspiring) and personal experiences in a lovely place,
Madeira. I would like to thank the "madeiran crew", headed by Prof. Câmara, for their
attention and organization. Their contribution was essential to the development
of the meeting.
Finally, thanks to Dr. Lasarte for coming
with me to this travel and congrats for his exceptional presentation about the potential of aptamers in Bioanalysis. He has taken up many challenges in these days.
From Microextraction, we wish HCV
project every success.
RL
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