Researchers at the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Rourkela have developed a groundbreaking biosensor that can detect breast cancer cells without relying on complex or expensive laboratory procedures. According to institute officials, this novel semiconductor-based device offers a simple, chemical-free method for identifying cancerous cells with high accuracy.
Chemical-Free, Highly Accurate Cancer Detection
Unlike traditional diagnostic methods, the newly developed biosensor does not require the addition of any chemicals or biological labels. It effectively differentiates between healthy and cancerous breast cells, offering superior accuracy compared to existing biosensing technologies. The team’s research has been published in the Microsystem Technologies journal.
Addressing a Critical Healthcare Challenge
Dr. Prasanna Kumar Sahu, Professor at the Department of Electrical Engineering, explained the broader context of the innovation. With the increasing prevalence of life-threatening diseases such as cancer, the global focus on biomolecule evaluation and Point-of-Care (POC) testing has intensified. In India, breast cancer cases have been steadily rising, making early and accessible diagnosis more critical than ever.
Limitations of Current Diagnostic Techniques
Currently, breast cancer diagnosis often involves methods such as mammography, X-rays, MRI, ELISA, and ultrasonography. However, these procedures require specialized equipment and trained personnel, making them inaccessible to people in remote or underserved areas. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted these limitations, as many medical resources were diverted, delaying timely screenings and treatments.
A Novel Approach Using Cell Properties and Electronics
To address these issues, the NIT team designed a biosensor that leverages the physical properties of cancer cells. Cancerous breast tissues are denser and contain more water than healthy ones, resulting in different interactions with microwave radiation—referred to as dielectric properties. These measurable differences allow for precise identification of cancerous cells.
How the Biosensor Works
As reported by The Print, the device uses a Tunnel Field Effect Transistor (TFET), based on TCAD simulation models. Traditionally used in electronics, FETs have been adapted here as sensitive detectors for biological materials. The researchers etched a small cavity under the gate area of the transistor, where they placed a biological sample. The sensor then reads electrical changes based on the dielectric properties of the cells.
Since cancer cells like T47D exhibit a higher dielectric constant than healthy cells like MCF-10A, the device can quickly and accurately identify malignancy. The results showed high sensitivity in detecting T47D cells due to their increased density and permittivity.
Affordable and Scalable for Broader Use
According to research scholar Priyanka Karmakar, this TFET-based biosensor is significantly more affordable than conventional diagnostic tools and other FET-based biosensors. Its low cost, simplicity, and efficiency make it ideal for widespread use—not just in hospitals but also in mobile testing units and potentially even in home settings.
Looking Ahead: Towards Real-World Application
As a next step, the research team is seeking collaborations for the fabrication and scientific validation of the technology. With further development, this innovation could lead to the creation of practical, low-cost diagnostic tools that enable early breast cancer detection, helping save lives and improve healthcare accessibility across diverse populations.