NIT-R develops biosensor for early detection of breast cancer
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Rourkela: In a significant breakthrough, researchers at the National Institute of Technology, Rourkela (NITR) have developed a bio-sensor capable of detecting and distinguishing between cancerous and healthy breast cells.
The research team led by Prof. Prasanna Kumar Sahu from the department of electrical engineering and his scholar Priyanka Karmakar, has published their findings in the prestigious Microsystem Technologies journal.
The new technology utilises a tunnel field effect transistor (TFET)-based biosensor that detects cancer cells by measuring their dielectric properties. "Cancer cells like T47D have a higher dielectric constant than healthy ones like MCF-10A.
The sensor picks up these differences quickly and with high precision," said Prof. Sahu.
The biosensor features a small cavity etched into the transistor under the gate area, where biological samples are placed for analysis. The device then measures changes in electrical signals to determine whether cells are cancerous or healthy.
This development comes at a crucial time when India has witnessed a significant rise in breast cancer cases over the past few decades.
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by Taboola
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While conventional diagnostic methods like X-ray, mammography, and MRI exist, they require specialised equipment and trained personnel, making them inaccessible to many, particularly in remote areas.
The TFET-based biosensor offers several advantages over traditional testing methods. While there is no requirement for additional chemicals or labels, it has higher sensitivity in detecting cancer cells. It would be more affordable than conventional testing methods and has the potential for use in mobile testing units and home settings.
The research team is currently seeking collaborations for fabrication and scientific validation of technology, which could revolutionise early breast cancer detection in clinical and home settings, they said.
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