Could NIT Rourkela's New Biosensor Revolutionize Breast Cancer Diagnosis?

Rourkela, May 23 (NationPress) Researchers at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela have developed an innovative semiconductor device-based biosensor that can detect breast cancer cells without requiring complex or costly laboratory procedures.

The device, known as ‘TFET’ (Tunnel Field Effect Transistor), utilizes TCAD (Technology Computer-Aided Design) simulation results to effectively identify breast cancer cells.

Field Effect Transistors (FETs) are typically used in electronic applications, but in this instance, they have been modified to serve as a highly sensitive biological detector.

Unlike many conventional tests, this biosensor operates without the need for additional chemicals or markers.

It leverages the physical attributes of cancer cells for detection. Cancerous breast tissues are denser and contain more water than healthy tissues, which interact differently with microwave radiation. These variations, known as dielectric properties, enable the differentiation between healthy and malignant cells.

The research findings, published in the journal Microsystem Technologies, indicated that the sensor is particularly sensitive to T47D cancer cells due to their high density and permittivity.

Moreover, it excels at distinguishing malignant cells from healthy breast cells, providing enhanced sensitivity when compared to existing technologies.

“A small cavity is etched into the transistor beneath the gate area, where an equivalent biological sample is placed to test the device's sensitivity. The sensor then detects changes in electrical signals based on the sample's properties, essentially ‘sensing’ whether the cells are cancerous or healthy,” explained Prof. Prasanna Kumar Sahu from the Department of Electrical Engineering at NIT Rourkela.

“Because T47D cancer cells possess a greater dielectric constant than healthy cells like MCF-10A, the sensor quickly and accurately identifies these differences,” Sahu added.

An additional advantage of this technology is its cost-effectiveness. TFET-based biosensors are more affordable than traditional testing methods and other existing FET-based biosensors.

This groundbreaking technology holds remarkable potential for future medical applications, paving the way for low-cost, user-friendly diagnostic tools that can facilitate early breast cancer detection in clinics, mobile testing units, and even at home.

As a next step, the research team is investigating potential partnerships for the fabrication and scientific validation of their innovative technology.