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Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy: Detection of Human Breast Cancer Cells by Redox Environment

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Journal of Mammary Gland Biology and Neoplasia Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) can be used to measure the redox activity of individual human breast cells. A chemical mediator (e.g. quinone) that rapidly crosses the membrane participates in intracellular redox reactions that are recorded on a microsecond timescale by an ultramicroelectrode positioned close to the membrane. Measurements of redox reactivity yield rate constants that are different for cancerous and non-transformed human breast cells. With non-transformed or metastatic cells, rate constants are modulated by altered expression or activity of protein kinase Cα, an enzyme involved in the mechanism of cell metastasis. When used in two-dimensional scanning, SECM produces a spatially resolved redox map of an individual cell or field of cells and can detect individual breast cancer cells in a field of non-transformed cells. These studies identify a new technology for cancer detection and establish a framework for future analysis of malignant cells in human breast tissues and biopsies.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Queens College of The City University of New York, Flushing, New York

    Susan A. Rotenberg & Michael V. Mirkin

  2. Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Queens College of The City University of New York, 65-30 Kissena Boulevard, Flushing, New York

    Susan A. Rotenberg

Authors
  1. Susan A. Rotenberg
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  2. Michael V. Mirkin
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Correspondence to Susan A. Rotenberg.

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Rotenberg, S.A., Mirkin, M.V. Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy: Detection of Human Breast Cancer Cells by Redox Environment. J Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia 9, 375–382 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10911-004-1407-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10911-004-1407-7

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