World-first LAF assay: a new lens on blood chemistry
A team at the University of Queensland’s Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) has unveiled a world-first assay that rapidly measures interactions between nanoscale particles in the bloodstream. The lipoprotein association fluorometry (LAF) technique can deliver results in about one hour, a dramatic improvement over the days-long, equipment-heavy processes that previously defined this area of study.
Developed by AIBN PhD student Raluca Ghebosu under the supervision of Associate Professor Joy Wolfram of the School of Chemical Engineering, LAF uses a fluorescent dye that stops glowing when particles interact. In practice, researchers watch for a molecular handshake: if two particles bind, the dye’s fluorescence changes in real time, providing a direct readout of binding strength and kinetics. It’s a simple concept with big implications, according to Ghebosu: “In the past, studying these interactions meant days of lab work and highly specialised equipment. By using a fluorescent signal that disappears upon interaction, we can see in real time if two particles are binding, and to what extent.”
This ability to observe interactions as they happen lowers barriers for scientists seeking to understand how cells communicate, respond to damage, and maintain balance. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), nanoscale particles released by cells, are among the key players studied with LAF. EVs carry proteins, fats, and other molecules between cells, acting as tiny couriers that influence physiology and disease progression. In cancer, the way EVs interact with other particles in the blood can shift dramatically, altering how malignancies grow and spread.
“Our bloodstream is full of these tiny particles and while they play an important role in normal physiology, they can behave very differently in disease,” said Associate Professor Wolfram. “By studying these interactions, we can understand how cancer spreads and worsens, and how we might detect early warning signs before symptoms even appear.”
Why LAF matters: speed, adaptability, and breadth
The value of LAF lies not only in speed but also in its adaptability. The assay has already been used to explore interactions between EVs and a wide range of particles, including synthetic nanoparticles, proteins, conventional medicines, and even bacterial EVs, all without re-engineering the core platform. “That adaptability is what makes LAF so powerful,” Wolfram notes. “Researchers around the world can test hypotheses faster and develop new therapies sooner.”
With a single assay that tolerates diverse partners, LAF accelerates discovery in nanomedicine and diagnostics, potentially shortening the path from lab bench to bedside. International collaborators have already validated the technique, and interest around its commercial potential is growing. This momentum aligns with AIBN’s mission to transform world-class science into real-world solutions.
A surprising link: cholesterol and cancer metastasis
The most intriguing finding from early LAF work is a potential link between metastatic cancer and cholesterol. Using LAF, the team observed that EVs released by highly metastatic cancer cells bind more strongly to LDL and VLDL particles—often referred to as “bad” cholesterol—than EVs from healthy or less aggressive cells. This suggests cholesterol might play a larger role in cancer progression than previously appreciated and offers a new avenue for intervention. “This gives us a starting point to explore therapies that might block this interaction and potentially slow the spread of cancer,” Ghebosu explained.
The idea that cholesterol influences metastasis is still developing, but LAF provides a powerful platform to probe the mechanism and test therapeutic ideas. If these interactions can be modulated, there is potential to slow metastasis and improve early detection strategies, making a meaningful impact on patient outcomes.
Towards market and impact: where LAF goes next
As uptake of LAF expands, researchers and industry partners are exploring commercial applications in diagnostics and nanomedicine. The pace of progress is notable for a PhD project, and Wolfram highlights the broader significance: “Being able to contribute something meaningful at this stage of my PhD—and see it potentially helping global cancer research—is incredibly motivating.”
Support for the discovery came from UQ’s Frazer Institute, the School of Chemical Engineering, and the Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine at James Cook University. The collaborative backbone behind LAF underscores the value of integrated, well-supported research ecosystems in translating laboratory breakthroughs into real-world tools that can improve cancer care and beyond.
What to watch for
As LAF moves toward broader validation and potential commercialization, researchers anticipate applying the assay to additional disease contexts, refining its throughput, and integrating it with complementary diagnostic platforms. The promise is clear: a fast, versatile, and broadly applicable tool that helps scientists decipher the hidden conversations between particles in blood—and, perhaps, disrupt the course of cancer by intercepting its molecular handshakes.
