This $3 Paper Device Can Detect Cancer In Less Than An Hour
Cancer research is buzzing with some major breakthroughs, offering hope for earlier and quicker ways to detect and treat the disease.
One such innovation comes in the form of a new device capable of identifying multiple cancer markers in blood. It’s more sensitive than current tests out there.
Even better, the test can deliver results within an hour. It could transform early cancer detection on a global scale and make it more accessible.
The system combines ordinary paper and plastic materials to create a simple, cost-effective, and highly accurate testing tool. It could cost as low as $3!
Cancer is one of the deadliest diseases in the world. In 2020, an estimated 19.31 million new cases and 10 million deaths were reported.
Developed countries typically have access to advanced cancer screening technology, but developing nations face many barriers.
As a result, they have higher rates of mortality even though they have lower cancer incidence. The inability to achieve earlier diagnosis leads to deaths that could have been prevented.
The new diagnostic tool is called a paper-in-polymer-pond (PiPP) device. It was created by researchers from the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP).
“Our new biochip device is low-cost—just a few dollars—and sensitive, which will make accurate disease diagnosis accessible to anyone, whether rich or poor,” said XiuJun (James) Li, the lead author of the study and a professor of chemistry and biochemistry at UTEP. “It is portable, rapid, and eliminates the need for specialized instruments.”
Tamline L/peopleimages.com – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purposes only, not the actual people
The device detects two main markers of cancer: carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and prostate-specific antigen (PSA). The first is associated with colorectal cancer, while the second helps diagnose prostate cancer.
The proteins show up in blood at extremely low levels in early-stage cancers, which makes them a challenge to detect with standard methods.
The device holds a lot of promise because of its sensitivity and effectiveness. Furthermore, the whole testing process only takes an hour. Most traditional testing methods take 16 hours to complete.
Extremely low concentrations of the cancer markers can be detected with the device. It is 10 times more sensitive than conventional commercial testing kits.
In addition, it requires just a small drop of blood that can be read with a regular office scanner or even a smartphone camera.
On top of that, the system is both affordable and reusable. The plastic framework of the device can be used several times by replacing the paper component.
No expensive laboratory equipment or trained staff is needed to operate the device, which addresses one of the most significant barriers to cancer screening that developing regions face.
Although the results are promising, it will take some time before the device is available to the public. The prototype must go through a long series of clinical trials with real patients, which could take a few years.
The Food and Drug Administration must also give final approval before it can be used in clinical settings. This process is time-consuming but important for ensuring the device’s safety and proving its effectiveness.
The study was published in the journal Lab on a Chip.
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