Bioelectronic platform enables lectin-based enrichment of columnar cell clusters for Barrett's oesophagus detection

Enriching diagnostically relevant cells from heterogeneous clinical samples is critical for enabling accurate detection and molecular analysis. Bioelectronic platforms offer a promising approach to this challenge by combining selective capture with real-time, label-free monitoring. We focus on Barretts oesophagus (BE), a precursor to oesophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), where current non-endoscopic tools like the capsule-sponge yield samples dominated by background squamous cells, limiting diagnostic sensitivity. We present a bioelectronic enrichment platform that selectively captures and thermally releases columnar cells from capsule-sponge samples. The system employs a ring microelectrode array functionalised with the lectin ECA--identified here as a selective marker of columnar cells in BE--and coated with a thermo-responsive PEDOT-pNIPAAam polymer. Capture and detachment of cells were monitored using both electrochemical impedance and optical imaging, enabling real-time, label-free feedback. Applied to clinical samples, our platform enriched viable columnar cells, enhancing downstream molecular readouts. This approach integrates seamlessly with non-invasive sampling workflows and expands the utility of bioelectronic tools for early cancer diagnostics.