Researchers from the University of Florida and National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University in Taiwan have developed a hand-held biosensor for breast cancer screening that detects biomarkers from a small sample of saliva. Published in the Journal of Vacuum Science & Technology B, the device is portable, efficient, and cost-effective. Using paper test strips treated with antibodies specific to breast cancer biomarkers, the device functions by applying electrical pulses to the strip after placing a saliva sample on it. These pulses cause the biomarkers to bind to the antibodies, altering the charge and capacitance over the electrode, which is then measured and translated into digital data. The device can detect extremely small amounts of biomarkers—down to femtogram levels—allowing for early detection of breast cancer.
This innovation offers several advantages over traditional methods like mammograms, ultrasounds, and MRIs, which are expensive, invasive, and require large equipment. In contrast, the biosensor is compact, reusable, and delivers results in under five seconds, making it ideal for use in both hospitals and community settings. Its affordability—just a few cents per test strip and $5 for the reusable circuit board—also makes it a viable option for low-resource areas, particularly in developing countries where access to advanced screening technologies is limited. Researchers are excited about the device’s potential to revolutionize breast cancer detection, offering an easy, quick, and affordable alternative for people who otherwise might not have access to such screenings. The team’s work highlights the potential for this biosensor to make a significant global impact in improving early breast cancer detection and saving lives.
