NIT Rourkela Develops Affordable and Rapid Biosensor for Early Breast Cancer Detection

Introduction

Early detection of breast cancer significantly increases the chances of successful treatment and survival. However, in many parts of India, predominantly rural and remote areas, access to advanced diagnostic technologies like mammography, MRI, and X-rays remains limited due to high costs and the need for specialized equipment and trained personnel. Addressing this critical healthcare gap, researchers at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela have developed an innovative, cost-effective biosensor to detect breast cancer cells quickly and accurately without relying on complex laboratory procedures.

The Innovation: A Novel Biosensor for Cancer Detection

Led by Professor Prasanna Kumar Sahu from the Department of Electrical Engineering and research scholar Dr. Priyanka Karmakar, the NIT Rourkela team has engineered a biosensor based on advanced semiconductor technology that can differentiate cancerous breast cells from healthy ones. Their work, published in the reputable journal Microsystem Technologies, introduces a portable, user-friendly device that could revolutionize breast cancer diagnosis, especially in low-resource settings.

Unlike traditional cancer diagnostic methods that require expensive and bulky machines, this biosensor uses a Tunnel Field Effect Transistor (TFET), an electronic sensor adapted for biological detection. The sensor analyzes the electrical properties of the cells placed within it, detecting variations in dielectric properties — how the cells interact with microwave radiation.

How the Biosensor Works: Detecting Differences in Cancer Cells

Cancerous breast cells, such as the T47D cell line, differ from healthy cells in water content and density. These physiological differences affect their dielectric properties, which the biosensor measures. The device contains a small cavity where the biological sample is placed, and it monitors changes in electrical signals to identify whether the cells are cancerous or not.

Professor Sahu explains, “Our sensor is highly sensitive, capable of detecting subtle differences in electrical signals without chemical labels or additives. This reduces cost and complexity, making the device ideal for wider deployment.”

The absence of chemical reagents and lab-dependent procedures means the device can be deployed in various settings — from hospitals and clinics to mobile health units and even at-home testing scenarios. This flexibility is crucial for reaching populations in remote regions that traditionally lack access to advanced diagnostic tools.

Addressing Challenges in Breast Cancer Diagnosis in India

Breast cancer remains a significant health concern in India, with many cases detected only at advanced stages due to diagnostic challenges. Mammography, the current gold standard for screening, requires specialized equipment and trained technicians, and can be costly, limiting its availability in rural areas. While effective, other techniques, such as MRI and ultrasound, also face similar accessibility constraints.

By offering a quick, reliable, and affordable alternative, the NIT Rourkela biosensor has the potential to improve early diagnosis rates drastically. Early detection enables timely intervention, improving treatment outcomes and reducing mortality.

Advantages of the New Biosensor Technology

• Cost-effective: Eliminates the need for expensive chemicals and reagents.
• Rapid Results: Provides quick detection by measuring electrical changes in cells.
• Portable and Easy to Use: It can be deployed in clinics, mobile testing units, and homes, which is especially beneficial in rural and low-resource settings.
• High Sensitivity: Capable of accurately distinguishing cancerous cells based on their unique dielectric properties.
• Non-invasive Sample Preparation: The device uses biological samples placed directly into its sensor cavity, simplifying the testing process.

Next Steps: Towards Widespread Use

The NIT Rourkela team is actively seeking partners to fabricate and validate the device on a larger scale. Collaboration with healthcare providers, medical device manufacturers, and government bodies will be essential to bringing this innovation to market and integrating it into India’s healthcare system.

By providing an affordable and accessible tool for early breast cancer detection, this technology could transform screening programs, especially in underserved regions. It also promises to reduce the overall economic burden of cancer treatment by catching the disease at earlier, more treatable stages.

Conclusion

NIT Rourkela’s breakthrough biosensor represents a vital step toward democratizing healthcare access and improving cancer diagnostics in India. By combining cutting-edge semiconductor technology with a deep understanding of cancer cell biology, the device offers a practical, scalable solution to one of the country’s most pressing health challenges.

As the research moves towards commercialization, this innovation has the potential to save countless lives by enabling early breast cancer detection, ultimately paving the way for better health outcomes and a more equitable healthcare landscape across India.