Liver Cancer Sensor
Paper Based New Low Cost Sensor Detects Liver Cancer
Scientists at the Indian Institute of Science have created a smart and cost-effective sensor that can detect the Beta-glucuronidase enzyme, which is linked to liver cancer and several other serious diseases.
What Is Beta-Glucuronidase?
The body naturally uses a sugar based compound called glucuronic acid to remove harmful toxins. Apart from that the beta glucuronidase enzyme can break this bond and release harmful chemicals back into the body. These toxins can contribute to the development of cancer and infection.
High levels of this enzyme may cause to
- Liver cancer
- Breast, colon, kidney and prostate cancers
- Urinary infections
- AIDS
Liver Cancer Sensor | How it works
The team used a rare earth metal called terbium, which emits bright green light when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. A gel containing terbium ions and a compound called 2,3-DHN was developed.
How it works-
- 2,3-DHN was masked with glucuronic acid
- In the presence of Beta-glucuronidase, the mask is removed
- The free 2,3-DHN absorbs UV light and transfers energy to terbium
- This creates a strong green glow that signals enzyme activity
Liver Cancer Sensor | From Lab to Real World use
The project began with the discovery of how metal ions combine with bile salts to form gels. Replacing calcium with terbium and adding light-absorbing molecules produced glowing gels.
The idea was tested with other enzymes in 2012, but attention shifted to beta-glucuronidase because of its importance in detecting the disease.
Bile salts are formed in the liver which help to form a self-forming gel. When combined with terbium and 2,3-DHN, this mixture becomes an effective sensor that emits light in the presence of disease markers.
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Liver Cancer Sensor | Easy-to-Use Paper format
The sensor was then mounted on paper. The researchers coated normal filter paper with the gel mixture. When dried, it became a xerogel that retained its brightness even when slightly moist.
Surprisingly, this format of paper showed better sensitivity than the original gel.
How it’s used:
- Place a drop of the test sample on the paper disc
- Wait a few minutes
- Shine UV light on the paper
- A bright green glow shows the presence of the enzyme
Since this testing method does not require advanced laboratory equipment, software such as ImageJ can help measure results using images taken from a regular computer or smartphone.
Liver Cancer Sensor | Sensor performance and flexibility
The sensor has a limit of detection (LOD) of just 185 ng/mL. This matches the sensitivity required to detect advanced liver diseases such as cirrhosis. Lanthanide based elements like terbium are ideal because
- They have long lasting glow after UV exposure
- They produce sharp and clear signals
- Background noise from biological materials is reduced
More than just Liver Cancer
Since beta-glucuronidase is involved in breaking down drug compounds and toxins, the sensor could also help in diagnosis the following diseases-
- Drug induced toxicity
- Neonatal jaundice
- Inflammatory diseases
Although it is not a complete diagnostic tool, this sensor can serve as an early warning system for further medical testing.
Liver Cancer Sensor | Next steps proposed and future Use
To make the sensor even more reliable, the researchers are working on a special inhibitor that will ensure that the sensor glows only in the presence of beta-glucuronidase. This inhibitor needs to be optimized for large scale use.
Plans for the future include
- Increasing the sensitivity of the sensor
- Making it more portable and field friendly
- Reducing reliance on expensive lab equipment
Clinical trials are the final stage. After testing on samples from real patients, this sensor could become an important tool for affordable disease detection, especially in areas with limited medical resources.
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