Chinese scientists build hand-held device to detect early cancer signs from drop of blood

A handheld device detects early lung cancer from a drop of blood by using light-bending rather than light-property changes. Traditional cancer detection relies on bulky, highly sensitive instruments that measure subtle shifts in light wavelength caused by sample molecules. The new device uses a sensor with a 3D chip made from a special material that manipulates light in ways natural materials do not. It includes a light emitter and detector and is fabricated on eight-inch semiconductor wafers for mass production. Testing used vesicles in blood, detecting extremely low concentrations within 15 minutes. Analysis of 170 human serum samples showed the device could distinguish early lung cancer, with reported sensitivity improvements of nearly 10,000-fold versus standard lab assays.

"Cancer detection typically requires bulky instruments, confining testing to research labs or hospitals. The instruments work by detecting tiny changes in the properties of light, like wavelength, caused by the presence of sample molecules. The changes can convey information about biological functions or diseases, but detecting them requires highly sensitive components that are often quite large to carry around."

"The new device contains a sensor that works by determining how molecules bend light rather than how they change its properties. It uses a 3D chip made from a special material that manipulates light in ways natural materials do not. The device uses a light emitter, a light detector and a specially engineered material fabricated on eight-inch semiconductor wafers and then mass-produced."

"To test the device, scientists used it to detect levels of vesicles, ultrasmall bubble-like cell components found in extremely low concentrations in blood and other body fluids. Analysis of vesicle concentration can help diagnose early-stage disease. The new sensor was able to detect vesicles at extremely low concentrations within just 15 minutes. This corresponds to a nearly "10,000-fold improvement" in sensitivity compared with standard lab assays, scientists say."

"Researchers further tested the device by analysing 170 human serum samples and found that it could distinguish early lung cance"

Read at Irish Independent