Tiny Chip Screens for Cancer in Whole Blood

May-24-14 A new lab-on-a-chip device able screen whole blood for a variety of cancer markers is both inexpensive and portable, making it particularly useful in remote areas.

The chip's network of micro-channels contains gold nanoparticles that have been chemically programmed to act as antibody receptors. As the drop of blood moves through the channels, any cancer marker proteins it contains will attach to the nanoparticles, causing changes in the the "plasmonic resonance." By measuring the degree of change—which indicates the number of markers—the device is able to provide a direct assessment of patient's risk of developing cancer.

The chip is able to detect even very small amounts of markers in whole blood, eliminating the need for molecular labeling and allowing the disease to be treated before the patient develops tumors or symptoms.

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[MEDGADGET.COM]
[ICFO]

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