Scientists have created a new system for diagnosing cancer in its early stages. Florida State University reports.
When cancer is suspected, the patient is usually tested for cancer biomarkers. These are specific substances secreted by the tumor in the course of its life or by healthy tissues under their influence.
Developed a team of Florida State University chemists new a test to detect such tumor markers associated with various types of cancer. The system consists of gold nanoparticles and peptides labeled with fluorescent dye. The components are chemically bonded and the gold nanoparticles prevent the paint from glowing in the presence of UV rays. If the patient’s fluid for analysis contains MMP-14, a biomarker for various types of cancer, but most often breast cancer breaks the bonds in the peptides and separates the piece from gold with dye. If the gold does not absorb the energy of the dye, the sample begins to glow in the ultraviolet.
The light emitted from the sample depends on the concentration of the enzyme and the interaction time. By measuring the parameters of this light, doctors can understand how many cancer biomarkers are in the patient’s urine or blood and draw conclusions about their condition.
According to the scientists, their system can be adapted for any biomarker by simply changing the peptide.