Graphene biosensor could diagnose lung cancer early

Scientists have developed a graphene-based biosensor that could 'sniff' out evidence of lung cancer from a person's breath, paving the way for low-cost, early diagnosis systems.

Researchers from University of Exeter in the UK developed a new technique that could create a highly sensitive graphene biosensor with the capability to detect molecules of the most common lung cancer biomarkers.

The new biosensor design could revolutionise existing e-nose devices, that identify specific components of a specific vapour mixture -- for example a person's breath -- and analyses its chemical make-up to identify the cause.

The device, described in the journal Nanoscale, displays the potential to identify specific lung cancer markers at the earliest possible stage.

It will be both cost-effective and highly beneficial for health service providers worldwide, researchers said.

"The new biosensors which we have developed show that graphene has significant potential for use as an electrode in e-nose devices," said