A team of researchers at the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Rourkela, has developed an innovative biosensor that can detect breast cancer cells without relying on complex or costly laboratory techniques. According to institute officials, the new biosensor is based on semiconductor technology and offers a simpler, chemical-free method to identify cancerous cells.
Unlike conventional diagnostic tools that require additional reagents or specialized equipment, the NIT-developed biosensor can accurately differentiate between healthy and cancerous breast cells. The research findings, showcasing the sensor’s superior accuracy compared to current diagnostic biosensing methods, have been published in the Microsystem Technologies journal.
Professor Prasanna Kumar Sahu from NIT’s Department of Electrical Engineering explained that the growing global burden of diseases like cancer, especially in India where breast cancer rates are steadily increasing, underscores the need for more accessible and efficient diagnostic tools. He emphasized the importance of early detection since breast cancer often progresses without noticeable symptoms in its early stages.
“Although imaging techniques like X-rays, MRIs, mammography, ultrasonography, and ELISA tests are used to detect cancer, they require expensive infrastructure and trained medical staff, making them less accessible, particularly in rural or remote regions,” said Professor Sahu. He also noted that the COVID-19 pandemic worsened these challenges by diverting healthcare resources and delaying essential screenings.
Addressing this gap, the NIT research team developed a novel detection approach that leverages the physical and electrical differences between healthy and cancerous breast tissue. Since cancer cells are denser and contain more water, they exhibit different responses to microwave radiation—referred to as dielectric properties which the biosensor can detect.
The biosensor is built around a Tunnel Field Effect Transistor (TFET), typically used in electronic devices. The team adapted this technology to function as a highly sensitive biological sensor. The device works without requiring chemical agents or labeling. Instead, a small cavity beneath the transistor’s gate holds a sample of biological cells. By measuring changes in the electrical signals, the sensor can identify whether the cells are cancerous.
Professor Sahu explained that the sensor effectively distinguishes T47D breast cancer cells, which have a higher dielectric constant, from healthy MCF-10A cells. The sensitivity and precision of the device make it a strong alternative to existing technologies.
Another standout feature of this biosensor is its cost-effectiveness. “Compared to current diagnostic methods and existing FET-based biosensors, the TFET model is significantly more affordable,” said research scholar Priyanka Karmakar. “This development could pave the way for user-friendly, low-cost diagnostic tools that can be used in hospitals, mobile health units, or even at home.”
Moving forward, the research team is seeking collaborators to help with the fabrication and real-world validation of the technology, aiming to bring this promising innovation closer to widespread medical use.
