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Rourkela, India – May 26, 2025
Researchers at the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Rourkela, have announced a breakthrough in breast cancer diagnostics with the development of a novel semiconductor-based biosensor. This innovative device promises to make early breast cancer detection faster, more accessible, and significantly more affordable—especially for populations in remote or resource-limited areas.
A Game-Changer in Cancer Diagnostics
Unlike conventional diagnostic procedures such as mammography, MRI, or ELISA tests, which require specialized equipment and trained professionals, the new biosensor operates without the need for added chemicals or complex laboratory infrastructure. The device leverages the unique physical properties of cancer cells—specifically, their higher water content and density compared to healthy cells—to distinguish between malignant and non-malignant tissues.
The biosensor is based on a Tunnel Field Effect Transistor (TFET), a device commonly used in electronics but here ingeniously adapted to detect biological materials. A small cavity is etched under the transistor’s gate area, where a biological sample is placed. The sensor then measures changes in electrical signals, which vary depending on whether the sample contains healthy or cancerous cells.
High Sensitivity and Precision
Professor Prasanna Kumar Sahu of NIT Rourkela’s Department of Electrical Engineering explained, “Cancerous breast tissues interact differently with microwave radiation due to their dielectric properties. Our biosensor can detect these differences quickly and with high precision, distinguishing cancerous cells like T47D from healthy ones such as MCF-10A.”
Initial results, published in the journal Microsystem Technologies, demonstrate that the biosensor is highly sensitive in detecting cancer cells and offers improved accuracy compared to existing biosensing technologies.
Affordable and Accessible
One of the most promising aspects of the TFET-based biosensor is its affordability. According to research scholar Priyanka Karmakar, “This technology is not only more cost-effective than conventional testing methods but also easier to use. It holds significant promise for deployment in clinics, mobile testing units, and even home settings, potentially revolutionizing early breast cancer detection.”
Next Steps
The NIT Rourkela team is currently seeking collaborations for the fabrication and scientific validation of the biosensor, aiming to bring this technology from the laboratory to real-world medical applications.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on preliminary research findings as reported by NIT Rourkela and published in Microsystem Technologies. The biosensor is currently in the research and development stage and is not yet available for clinical use. Further scientific validation and regulatory approvals are required before the device can be adopted in medical practice. For medical advice or breast cancer screening, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Source: Medical Dialogues
