Researchers at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela have developed a low-cost, chemical-free biosensor that can detect breast cancer cells early—potentially revolutionizing cancer diagnosis in remote and underserved areas.
The device, based on Tunnel Field Effect Transistor (TFET) technology, identifies cancer cells by analyzing their unique electrical properties. Unlike conventional diagnostic tools such as mammograms, X-rays, or MRIs, it doesn’t require specialized labs or technicians, making it ideal for use in clinics, mobile units, and even home settings.
The project is led by Professor Prasanna Kumar Sahu from the Department of Electrical Engineering, along with Dr. Priyanka Karmakar, a research scholar. Their work has been published in the journal Microsystem Technologies.
How the Device Works
Cancerous breast cells like T47D differ from healthy cells in water content and density, affecting how they interact with microwave radiation. The biosensor detects these variations—known as dielectric properties—through a small cavity that holds the biological sample. It then reads changes in electrical signals to determine whether cells are cancerous.
“Our device shows greater sensitivity than many current techniques and doesn’t rely on chemical labels or dyes, making it simpler and cheaper,” said Prof. Sahu.
With breast cancer cases on the rise and many going undetected until advanced stages, this innovation could significantly improve early diagnosis rates, especially in low-resource settings.
The team is now seeking industry partners to help fabricate and validate the device for broader deployment across India.
