Researchers from the University of Florida in the US and the National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University in Taiwan have developed a portable device that detects breast cancer through biomarkers in a saliva sample placed on a paper strip, similar to those used to screen breast cancer. blood glucose from diabetic subjects. This film carries special antibodies that interact with cancer biomarkers.
Result in less than five seconds
As the research team reports in the scientific journal “Journal of Vacuum Science & Technology B”, its biodetector also uses the open-access Arduino software and hardware platform. “Imagine untrained medical personnel being able to perform breast cancer screening in communities or in hospitals,” said Xiao-Xuan Wan, a doctoral candidate at the University of Florida and one of the authors of the study, adding: “Our device it’s an excellent choice because it’s portable – about the size of a palm – and reusable. The time required to check each sample is under five seconds, which makes our diagnostic method highly efficient.”
How the device works
As mentioned above, the device “reads” paper strips with specific antibodies that interact with cancer biomarkers – targets. The saliva sample is placed on the strip and electrical pulses are sent to specific points on the device. These pulses induce the biomarkers to bind to the antibodies
by changing the electric charge and the capacitance of the electrode. This leads to a change in signal strength, which can be measured and translated into digital information about the presence or absence of the respective biomarker.
The advantages over conventional diagnostic methods
This design is revolutionary compared to existing diagnostic methods for breast cancer, claim the researchers who developed the new device. Mammograms, ultrasounds and MRIs are high-cost tests that are more invasive than a saliva test and require specialized equipment to perform them. In addition, they are associated with exposure to radiation, while it takes days or even weeks in some cases to produce results.
Very low cost
“In many parts of the world, especially in developing countries, advanced technologies such as MRI for breast cancer diagnosis may not be widely available,” Ms. Wan noted, adding that “our technology is more cost-effective – the film that used costs only a few cents while the reusable analysis panel costs $5. We are excited that through this test we can make a difference in areas where the infrastructure for breast cancer screening may not exist.”
Result even with infinitesimal “traces” of biomarkers
According to the researcher, it is important that the new method can provide accurate results even if the concentration of each biomarker in the saliva is infinitesimal – on the order of one four-millionth of a gram (femtogram) per ml.
Valuable method for the whole population
“The highlight for me was when I saw test results that clearly separated healthy people from those with cancer. We spent a lot of time perfecting the film and the device. We finally developed a technique that can help people all over the world,” Ms. Wan concluded.
#Breast #cancer #Saliva #test #mammogram
