Highly sensitive saliva-based biosensor in the detection of breast cancer biomarkers: HER2 and CA15-3 Summary : Researchers report successful results from a portable breast cancer screening device that can detect breast cancer biomarkers from a small sample of saliva . Its design uses common components, such as widely available glucose test strips and the open source Arduino hardware and software platform. A saliva sample is placed on the paper strip, which has been treated with specific antibodies that interact with specific cancer biomarkers. |
Breast cancer is on the rise, but new tools for early detection could save lives.
In the Journal of Vacuum Science & Technology B , from AIP Publishing, researchers from the University of Florida and National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University in Taiwan reported successful results from a portable breast cancer screening device that can detect breast cancer biomarkers from a small sample. of saliva. Their biosensor design uses common components, such as widely available glucose test strips and the open source Arduino hardware and software platform.
"Imagine medical staff conducting breast cancer screening in communities or hospitals," said author Hsiao-Hsuan Wan. "Our device is a great option because it is portable (about the size of a hand) and reusable. Testing time is less than five seconds per sample, making it highly efficient."
The device uses paper test strips treated with specific antibodies that interact with specific cancer biomarkers . A saliva sample is placed on the strip and pulses of electricity are sent to the electrical contact points of the biosensor device. These pulses cause the biomarkers to bind to the antibodies and alter the charge and capacitance on the electrode. This produces a change in the output signal, which can be measured and translated into digital information about how much biomarker is present.
The design is revolutionary compared to its alternatives. Mammograms, ultrasounds, and MRIs are expensive and invasive, require large, specialized equipment, introduce exposure to low doses of radiation, and can take days or weeks to return test results.
"In many places, especially developing countries, advanced technologies such as MRI for breast cancer screening may not be readily available," Wan said. "Our technology is more cost-effective: the test strip costs just a few cents and the reusable circuit board is priced at $5. We are excited about the potential to make a significant impact in areas where people may not have had the resources to breast screening.
The biosensor requires just a drop of saliva and can provide accurate results even if the concentration of the cancer biomarker in the sample is only one billionth of a gram, or femtogram, per milliliter.
"The highlight for me was when I saw readings that clearly distinguished between healthy individuals and those with cancer," Wan said. "We spent a lot of time and effort perfecting the strip, board and other components. Ultimately, we have created a technique that has the potential to help people around the world."
