Glioblastoma, one of the deadliest brain cancers, has an average survival rate of just 12 months post-diagnosis. Early detection is crucial for effective treatment, and a $2 biochip capable of diagnosing glioblastoma in just 1 hour is set to revolutionize the field.
The Role of Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) in Diagnosis
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanoscale vesicles released by cells that carry unique biomarkers on their surfaces. They have become key targets in cancer diagnostics due to their accessibility and specificity. Researchers at the University of Notre Dame developed a biochip that leverages the electric properties of EVs and their active EGFR biomarkers for glioblastoma diagnosis.
How the Biochip Works
- Detecting Active EGFR: The biochip selectively captures active EGFR on EV surfaces.
- Electrokinetic Sensor: A 0.5mm electrokinetic sensor detects voltage changes caused by active EGFR.
- Fast Results: With just 100 microliters of blood, the biochip delivers accurate results within an hour.
Advantages Over Traditional Methods
- Minimal Interference: The electrokinetic approach is less affected by external particles, ensuring higher sensitivity.
- Cost-Effective: The biochip costs less than $2 to produce, making it accessible globally.
- Rapid Diagnosis: Unlike traditional tests, the biochip offers results in one hour, critical for timely treatment.
Broader Applications
The biochip’s utility goes beyond brain cancer. It can be adapted for diagnosing other diseases, including cardiovascular conditions and Alzheimer’s, by targeting different biomarkers on EVs.
This $2 biochip represents a groundbreaking leap in early cancer detection, combining affordability, speed, and precision. Its potential to transform medical diagnostics globally, especially in low-resource settings, cannot be overstated.
The future of healthcare innovation starts here.
