We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
PURITAN MEDICAL

Download Mobile App




Less-Invasive Biosensor Created for Breast Cancer Diagnosis

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 26 Dec 2018
Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among women. More...
Usually, diagnosis of the disease involves a mammogram or ultrasound followed by an invasive needle biopsy, where specific biomarkers are identified to determine the type of breast cancer type and develop a treatment plan. Results from a biopsy examination take up to two weeks.

HER2-positive breast cancer is a breast cancer that tests positive for a protein called human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), which promotes the growth of cancer cells. In about one of every five breast cancers, the cancer cells have a gene mutation that makes an excess of the HER2 protein. HER2-positive breast cancers tend to be more aggressive than other types of breast cancer.

Bioengineers at the University of Hartford (West Hartford, CT, USA) and their colleagues have devised a new biosensor to diagnose breast cancer less invasively compared to the existing needle biopsy approach. The device combines microfluidic technology and diagnostics, the device was partly built using an inkjet printer. The printed chip, consisting of an array of electrodes, was deposited into a pre-fabricated microfluidic device that regulates fluids to flow in a controlled manner.

During the test process, a patient’s blood sample flows through the microfluidic device and the biosensor chip coated with antibodies, which then captures and immobilizes HER-2 proteins present in the sample. Abnormal levels of HER-2 are considered to be an indicator of a specific type of breast cancer, and its detection is expected to enable treatment strategies. The device is designed to identify the breast cancer biomarker HER-2 in the blood within 15 minutes.

The team believes that demonstrating monitoring of blood HER-2 levels as a potential biomarker of disease progression status during and after therapy. The scientist also believes that the advancement of biosensors could facilitate non-invasive breast cancer testing. They are working towards reducing the new biosensor chip size by using printed circuit boards to construct a portable electrochemical unit.

Seila Selimovic, PhD, from the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (Bethesda, MD, USA) said, “Less invasive, more accessible, and faster diagnostic tools like this biosensor are essential to improving healthcare. As biosensors continue to progress it is important to keep in mind diagnostic tools are only helpful when accurate. This biosensor works in the clinically relevant range and has one of the lowest reported HER-2 detection limits, so fewer false positives and negatives will occur.”

Related Links:
University of Hartford
National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering


New
Gold Member
Blood Gas Analyzer
Stat Profile pHOx
3-Part Differential Hematology Analyzer
Swelab Alfa Plus Sampler
New
Automated PCR Setup
ESTREAM
New
Clostridium Difficile Toxin A+B Combo Card Test
CerTest Clostridium Difficile Toxin A+B
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








DIASOURCE (A Biovendor Company)

Channels

Hematology

view channel
Image: CitoCBC is the world first cartridge-based CBC to be granted CLIA Waived status by FDA (Photo courtesy of CytoChip)

Disposable Cartridge-Based Test Delivers Rapid and Accurate CBC Results

Complete Blood Count (CBC) is one of the most commonly ordered lab tests, crucial for diagnosing diseases, monitoring therapies, and conducting routine health screenings. However, more than 90% of physician... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: An “evolutionary” approach to treating metastatic breast cancer could allow therapy choices to be adapted as patients’ cancer changes (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

Evolutionary Clinical Trial to Identify Novel Biomarker-Driven Therapies for Metastatic Breast Cancer

Metastatic breast cancer, which occurs when cancer spreads from the breast to other parts of the body, is one of the most difficult cancers to treat. Nearly 90% of patients with metastatic cancer will... Read more

Technology

view channel
Image: Researchers Dr. Lee Eun Sook and Dr. Lee Jinhyung examine the imprinting equipment used for nanodisk synthesis (Photo courtesy of KRISS)

Multifunctional Nanomaterial Simultaneously Performs Cancer Diagnosis, Treatment, and Immune Activation

Cancer treatments, including surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, have significant limitations. These treatments not only target cancerous areas but also damage healthy tissues, causing side effects... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.