Researchers at The University of Texas at El Paso have developed a portable device that can detect colorectal and prostate cancer more quickly and affordably than current methods. The device is designed to be especially useful in developing countries where barriers to medical diagnosis contribute to higher cancer mortality rates. Lead author XiuJun (James) Li, Ph.D., a UTEP professor of chemistry and biochemistry, highlighted the low cost and sensitivity of the device, making accurate disease diagnosis accessible to all individuals, regardless of economic status.
The biochip device created by Li’s team is portable, rapid, and eliminates the need for specialized instruments, making it ideal for use in resource-limited settings. Traditional commercial methods of cancer biomarker detection, such as ELISA, can be expensive and time-consuming, requiring specialized instrumentation and taking twelve hours or longer to process samples. This delay can be particularly detrimental in rural areas or developing countries where access to these tools is limited, resulting in delays in diagnosis and potentially worsening patient outcomes.
The microfluidic device developed by the research team uses an innovative ‘paper-in-polymer-pond’ structure, allowing for multiple functions to be performed using small amounts of fluids. Patient blood samples are introduced into tiny wells on a special paper that captures cancer protein biomarkers within minutes. The paper changes color based on the type of cancer detected and its progression, providing a quick and easy method for diagnosis. While the initial focus has been on prostate and colorectal cancers, the researchers believe that the method could be applied to various cancer types.
Compared to traditional methods, the device developed by Li’s team can analyze samples in just an hour, rather than 16 hours, and is about 10 times more sensitive even without specialized instruments. This increased sensitivity allows for the detection of cancer biomarkers present in smaller quantities, typically found in the early stages of cancer. Before the device can be used in clinical settings, further testing and a clinical trial will be necessary, which could take several years. Approval from the Food and Drug Administration will also be required before physicians can use the device.
The innovation by Dr. Li significantly improves point-of-care diagnostics by reducing detection times and the need for expensive instruments, making it an ideal solution for resource-limited settings. This improvement in early diagnosis could lead to better outcomes for cancer patients. The research has been published in Lab on a Chip, a journal focusing on micro-scale and nanoscale devices. Li’s work has been recognized by the College of Science at UTEP, where he serves as a member of the advisory board for Lab on a Chip.
Overall, the portable device developed by the research team at UTEP shows great promise in improving cancer diagnostics, particularly in areas with limited access to specialized medical equipment. The low cost, sensitivity, and rapid results of the device make it a valuable tool for early detection and treatment of colorectal and prostate cancers. Continued research, testing, and regulatory approval will be necessary before the device can be widely used, but it holds the potential to have a significant impact on cancer detection and patient outcomes.