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Nanoflake-based breath sensor delivers ultrasensitive lung cancer screening
- Researchers have developed a nanoflake-based breath sensor capable of detecting lung cancer. The high performance isoprene sensor was created using nanoflakes of indium oxide (In2O3), which is sensitive enough to detect isoprene present in breath that provide a biomarker for the presence of lung cancer. The platinum-loaded (Pt@InNiOx) sensors outperformed existing devices due to their relative high surface area which promotes isoprene adsorption and enhances electron interaction and electrical signals. Testing proved successful in revealing exhaled isoprene concentrations in lung cancer patients consistently below 40ppb, with over 60ppb in healthy individuals.
- The performance tests indicated that Pt@InNiOx may provide an optimal sensing material for detecting ultralow levels of isoprene. The researchers integrated Pt@InNiOx nanoflakes into a portable breath sensing device and collected exhaled breath from eight healthy individuals and five lung cancer patients. The sensing device consistently revealed exhaled isoprene concentrations in lung cancer patients below 40 ppb and over 60 ppb in healthy individuals, effectively distinguishing individuals with lung cancer from healthy people.
- The new sensing technology can provide cost-effective lung cancer diagnosis through noninvasive detection of lung cancer, and be used for at-home surveillance for lung cancer patients and offer dynamic monitoring of their health status.
- Although there are requirements for further research on the sensing materials and the relationship between breath isoprene levels and lung cancer to pave the way for future commercialization of this technology, the researchers have started evaluating the potentials of the new technology to be applied for other cancers such as prostate cancer.
- The research team used nanoflakes of pure In2O3, nickel-doped (InNiOx) or platinum-loaded (Pt@InNiOx), to optimize the sensing performance. The sensors comprise an insulating substrate with interdigitated gold/titanium electrodes and coated with a layer of roughly 10 nm-thick nanoflakes.
- The nanoflakes' two-dimensional structure provides a relatively high surface area and pore volume, promoting isoprene adsorption and enhancing electron interaction and electrical signals. The sensitivity of the gas sensor improves on metal oxide semiconductor In2O3, a promising candidate for isoprene sensing.
- The researchers have successfully validated their potential for rapid and cost-effective lung cancer diagnosis through their findings, and are continuing to finish clinical trials to further evaluate the impacts of breath isoprene gas sensing technology.
- The nanoflake-based breath sensor has offered an effective way of detecting lung cancer for cost-effective, rapid, noninvasive, and real-time monitoring applications, holding significant implications for at-home surveillance for lung cancer patients.
- The researchers report their findings in ACS Sensors and have started cooperating with a local hospital for large-scale clinical testing to evaluate potentials for other cancers such as prostate cancer.
- Clinical testing is in progress, paving the way for the future of transformative cancer detection tools that could ultimately save lives and improve healthcare.
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