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Researchers at the Russell Berrie Nanotechnology Institute in Haifa, Israel have developed a sensor made from gold nanoparticles that enables detection of lung cancer through a simple exhale. The device can distinguish between the breath of those with lung cancer from those without.
The sensing technology does not require a pre-treatment of exhalation, says the lead author Hossam Haick. The breath test is very simple, affordable, and portable. The existing tests require preconcentration of the biomarkers to improve detection.
Haick told,"We demonstrated that our device has a potential not only to distinguish lung cancer patients from healthy controls but also to identify different types of primary lung cancer.”
The findings have been reported in Nature Nanotechnology. Haick believes that the new device could help in quicker screening and diagnosis of lung cancer.
The technology also has the potential to diagnose other conditions apart from lung cancer. Haick said, “The potential exists for using the proposed technology to diagnose other conditions and diseases, which could mean additional cost reductions and enhanced possibilities to save lives.”
