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A team of researchers have reportedly developed a "lab-on-a-chip" platform capable of detecting protein cancer markers in the blood with the help of latest advances in plasmonics, nano-fabrication, micro fluids and surface chemistry. The device can detect very low concentration of protein cancer marker in the blood. 

The detection of cancer in the early stages is seen as key to the successful diagnosis and treatment.

The cancer-tracing nano-device is promising not only because of its sensitivity, reliability and potential low cost but also because of its easy carry-on portable properties. The device is being seen as a viable option to carry out the treatment procedures in remote places with difficult access to hospitals or medical clinics. 

Gold nano-particles lie on the surface of the chip and are chemically programed with an antibody receptor in such a way that they are capable of specifically attracting the protein markers circulating in blood. When a drop of blood is injected into the chip, it circulates through the micro-channels and if cancer markers are present in the blood, they will stick to the nano-particles located on the micro-channels as they pass by, setting off changes in what is known as the "plasmonic resonance," the release added.

"The most fascinating finding is that we are capable of detecting extremely low concentrations of this protein in a matter of minutes, making this device an ultra-high sensitivity, state-of-the-art, powerful instrument that will benefit early detection and treatment monitoring of cancer," said ICREA Professor at ICFO Romain Quidant, coordinator of the project, in the press release. 

This work has been supported by Cellex Foundation Barcelona and by the SPEDOC project.

The findings of the study were published in the journal Nano Letters.