TINY FIBRE-OPTIC SENSORS COULD TRANSFORM CANCER DETECTION

Microscopic sensors as thin as a strand of hair could change the way diseases such as cancer are detected and monitored, according to new research from Adelaide University and the University of Stuttgart.

Developed using ultrafast 3D micro-printing technology, the tiny devices are printed directly onto the tips of optical fibres and can measure multiple biological signals simultaneously.

Researchers say the innovation could pave the way for faster, more precise and minimally invasive medical tools.

A breakthrough in disease monitoring

The sensors are designed to detect specific disease-linked biomarkers while simultaneously tracking changes in temperature and chemical activity inside the body.

“This breakthrough could lead to next-generation medical tools that track disease, guide treatment and monitor the body in real time,” said Associate Professor Shahraam Afshar, the project’s lead researcher from Adelaide University’s Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing.

“The sensors are able to provide reliable and clear information about the presence of disease in a minimally invasive way. This opens the pathway for smarter tools in healthcare, environmental monitoring and wearable technology.”

Researchers say the technology works by identifying molecular changes caused by cancer through light emission.

“Molecules emit light when they come into contact with a by-product of cancer. The amount of light they emit depends on the concentration of the cancer cells.

"By inserting the sensors into tissue and measuring the amount of light emitted, we believe we can determine the presence of cancer,” he said.

More precise cancer detection and data for doctors

The development builds on existing diagnostic methods, which typically measure only one biomarker at a time.

“It’s very difficult to measure or detect different signals coming from a living environment such as the human body simultaneously,” Associate Professor Afshar said.

“When you can only measure one biomarker at a time, it’s hard to determine if the cause of the change is cancer or another issue.

“This is why our method is so revolutionary, as it enables us to provide precise information immediately to medical professionals.”

Future applications across healthcare

The research, published in the journal Advanced Optical Materials, has received support through a $1.32 million Australian Research Council grant.

Funding will help establish a high-precision micro- and nanoprinting facility at Adelaide University to further advance the technology.

“Having access to the latest laser printing technology will allow us to continue our research and hopefully detect even more biomarkers, such as changes to pH or oxidation-reduction,” Associate Professor Afshar said.

“We will be able to create prototypes faster, build more complex structures and apply what we learn to the broader biomedical field.

"In the future, we would like to collaborate with hospitals to refine the technology, which we believe could be ready for use within the next decade.”