Researchers Develop Lab-On-A-Chip that Detects Cancer Cells
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Posted on Sep 22, 2002, 11 a.m.
By Bill Freeman
Researchers have developed a so-called lab-on-a-chip (LOC) that is able to instantly detect cancer cells. Using the latest advances in nanotechnology, the device, which is smaller than a matchbox, works by exposing cells to a dye that adheres to cancer cells. The same technique is already in use in hospitals throughout the world, however the equipment needed is big and bulky and the tests need to be carried out by a qualified technician.
Researchers have developed a so-called lab-on-a-chip (LOC) that is able to instantly detect cancer cells. Using the latest advances in nanotechnology, the device, which is smaller than a matchbox, works by exposing cells to a dye that adheres to cancer cells. The same technique is already in use in hospitals throughout the world, however the equipment needed is big and bulky and the tests need to be carried out by a qualified technician. However, the new device is small enough to be carried around and all that is needed to carry out the test is a cell sample, from a cheek scraping, blood sample, or biopsy. The scientists behind the device say that it is relatively cheap to manufacture and should reduce testing times from hours or days to just a few minutes. Dr. Peter O'Brien, team leader of Microfluidics Research at the National Microelectronics Research Center (NMRC) in Cork, Ireland, said of the technology: "I can see a time when a device no larger than a pen could be used to instantly spot cancerous cells, separate them from healthy ones and even analyze their DNA."
SOURCE/REFERENCE: Reported by www.wired.com on the 15th October 2001
