A new collaborative project between The University of Bath and the University of São Paulo (USP) is developing novel diagnostic tools to spot cancer early on.
The teams, led by Dr. Pedro Estrela (Bath) and Professor Marcelo Mulato (USP), are creating sensors that will accurately detect and measure early-stage cancer biomarkers via point-of-care testing.
The research integrates existing electrochemical and semiconductor-based biosensors developed by the two universities for in vitro cancer diagnostics. The teams are using their combined expertise to develop techniques that enhance the sensitivity and selectivity of the sensors. The result will be innovative, robust and ultra-sensitive biosensors that detect biomarkers specific to both prostate and breast cancer.
“Prostate and breast cancer are the two most common types of cancer in the UK,” Dr. Estrela said. “Detecting them in their infancy increases the chance of successful treatment and reduces mortality rates. Symptoms aren’t always obvious at an early stage with both of these types of cancer so finding alternative methods of diagnosis addresses a real medical need.”
Dr. Pedro Estrela in the laboratory with a biosensor device. (Credit: University of Bath)
Innovative approaches that could change lives
Another device in development will detect panels of microRNAs in the blood, which are linked to the development and progression of cancer. The biosensor will analyze molecular fingerprints of microRNAs to reveal precise and important information about the stage and subtype of prostate cancer. The information could help determine the best choice of therapy for individual patients.
“The devices offer a less invasive and more efficient alternative to current diagnostics,” Dr. Estrela said. “They are designed to analyze markers associated with cancer in the blood more accurately. Our goal is to make these devices widely available in primary care in the future. Eventually, we want to see biosensors used as part of regular checks in hospitals and GP surgeries across the world.”
Bringing together complementary research expertise.
The two-year project supports ongoing research and cooperation between the two universities under the umbrella of biosensor technologies. It draws on elements from Dr. Estrela’s work on prostate cancer and Professor Mulato’s on breast cancer.
Since the project started in November, researcher visits have taken place between Bath and São Paulo, opening up an exchange of knowledge. The project promises to lead to further collaborations to advance biosensor research for cancer diagnosis in the future.