Biomimetic Membrane Interface Technologies for Detection and Isolation of CTCs and EVs: Advances and Opportunities in Liquid Biopsy

Biomimetic membrane interface engineering constructs functionalized detection platforms by incorporating natural cell membranes, synthetic lipids, or hybrid membranes. The primary purpose of this strategy is to minimize background interference while leveraging intrinsic membrane properties for effective target interaction. Applications are diverse, ranging from the high-purity separation of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) to the efficient isolation of extracellular vesicles (EVs), as well as the subsequent detection of EV-derived contents (e.g., miRNA, protein, and mRNA) via membrane fusion mechanisms. Conceptually, this approach serves as a robust bridge between synthetic materials and biological systems. Its major advantages lie in the significant reduction of non-specific binding and the unique capability to facilitate both target capture and internal cargo analysis. However, challenges such as complex preparation processes, stability issues, and the dependence on functional modifications to address significant tumor heterogeneity remain to be resolved. This review summarizes recent progress, analyzes these critical issues, and outlines future directions.