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Nanotech Researchers Using Nanosensors for Cancer Biomarker Measurements

A team of nanotech researchers from Yale University are using nanosensors for cancer biomarker measurements in human blood. The university’s Professor of Engineering and Applied Science, Harold Hodgkinson, and an associate professor of biomedical and chemical engineering, Takrek Fahmy, are in the process of utilizing sensors made out of nanowire in order to discover and measure two different kinds of biomarkers. The biomarkers that are detected by the special nanotech-based sensors are for breast and prostate cancer.

According to Mark Reed, nanosensors have existed for the past ten years, but they were only utilized in a laboratory setting under controlled conditions. Now, for the first time, nanotech researchers have been able to utilize the nanosensors with whole human blood containing ions, proteins, and other materials that can affect biomarker detection.

In order to conquer such a challenge, nanotech researchers have created a brand new device that behaves as a filter for capturing the biomarkers that need to be detected. The antigens that are unique to breast and prostate cancer are filtered via the use of a chip while the remainder of the blood is simply cleansed away. The specific antigens accumulate onto the chip which permits nanotech researchers to detect biomarkers for cancer down to tremendously tiny concentrations within a range of ten percent in terms of accuracy. This feat is equalled to being capable of detecting the concentration levels of one grain of table salt already dissolved in a vast swimming pool.

Prior to this amazing nano-technological discovery, biomarker detection techniques only determined if a biomarker was present in the bloodstream at high levels. If so, alternative equipment would be used to get more reliable test results and estimates in regard to biomarker concentration. Fahmy explains that this newer method for detecting cancer biomarkers has precise readings and is not as dependent on interpretations made by the testing equipment operator.

Former biomarker detection methods involved a consider amount of work to be conducted. The patient would have to provide a sample of blood, the blood would be sent to a laboratory for further testing, and the lab would rely on the use of a centrifuge to separate blood components. Once the plasma was isolated in the blood and put through a series of chemical analysis, the biomarker estimates could be offered. The process could take a period of several days. This new, nanotech method for detection can help medical personnel get a biomarker reading that is precise and accurate in just a few minutes time.