Electrical Immuno Nanosensor for Breast Cancer Biomarker Assay

Molecular cancer biomarkers will be instrumental in the screening and detection of cancer. Development of a hand held, non destructive microsensor for distinguishing breast cancer cells in real time is essential for breast cancer therapeutic options. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) is a potent cytokine, which is normally over-expressed in malignant breast tumor cells. In our work, we are interested in developing nanomaterial integrated needle like immuno biosensors for the detection of cancer biomarkers on breast cancer cells. The sensor is based on the electrochemical measurement of immuno reactions on the microelectrode surface. In order to improve the sensitivity of the microelectrode, functional nanomaterials including carbon nanotubes have been integrated on the microsensor surface. We will present the fabrication and analytical functions of the sensor. The structure of the sensor is characterized by various electrochemical methods and atomic force microscopy (AFM). VEGF can be detected successfully to a detection limit of 20 mug/mL in biological electrolytes, which demonstrates the feasibility of using the electrochemical microsensor for quantitive analysis of the breast cancer biomarkers. For a long term goal, it is expected that the nano needle sensing tips can be used for measuring tumor markers on single cell levels.