Revolutionary Biosensor Detects Cancer at Unprecedentedly Low Concentrations with 99% Accuracy
Breakthrough Technology Enables Early cancer Detection and Personalized Medicine
A new biosensor developed by researchers at the Korea Institute of materials Science (KIMS) promises a paradigm shift in cancer diagnostics. By integrating high-sensitivity optical signaling, artificial intelligence, and plasmonic materials, the device can detect methylated DNA – a key biomarker for cancer - at concentrations as low as 25 femtograms per milliliter (fg/mL). This represents a 1,000-fold betterment in sensitivity compared to existing biosensors and opens doors for earlier, more accurate cancer detection and personalized treatment strategies. The findings were published in the May 2025 issue of advanced Science (Impact Factor: 14.3).
Unprecedented Sensitivity and Speed
The core of this innovation lies in the use of plasmonic materials, which amplify optical signals from DNA molecules by over 100 million times when exposed to light. This amplification allows for the detection of even minute quantities of cancer-related DNA. To illustrate the sensitivity, researchers equate 25 fg/mL to dissolving just 1/25,000th of a sugar grain in a drop of water.
Beyond sensitivity, the biosensor boasts remarkable speed and simplicity. Analysis requires only 100 microliters (μL) of blood and is completed within 20 minutes – a notable reduction in both time and complexity compared to conventional diagnostic methods. Crucially, the technology requires no pre-processing of samples, further streamlining the diagnostic process.
Clinical Validation and High Accuracy
The research team rigorously tested the biosensor using blood samples from 60 colorectal cancer patients. The results demonstrated an impressive 99% accuracy in identifying the presence of cancer. Furthermore, the biosensor accurately distinguished between different cancer stages (Stage I to Stage IV), providing valuable information for prognosis and treatment planning. This level of precision is critical for tailoring treatment strategies to individual patient needs – a cornerstone of precision medicine.
Expanding Diagnostic Capabilities and Point-of-Care potential
This technology isn’t limited to colorectal cancer. researchers envision expanding its request to a wide range of diseases, including autoimmune disorders and neurological conditions. The biosensor’s portability and ease of use make it ideal for diverse settings:
Hospitals and Health Screening Centers: Providing rapid and accurate diagnostic results.
At-Home Diagnostic kits: empowering individuals to proactively monitor their health.
Portable Diagnostic Devices: Enabling testing in remote locations or resource-limited settings.
“This technology serves as a next-generation diagnostic platform capable not only of early cancer detection, but also of predicting prognosis and monitoring treatment response,” explains Dr. Ho Sang Jung, Senior Researcher at KIMS and lead of the project. “We plan to expand its application to a wide range of diseases, including autoimmune disorders and neurological conditions.”
The biosensor’s ability to deliver rapid, cost-effective results positions it as a strong contender in the burgeoning Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) market. POCT allows for immediate diagnosis at or near the patient’s location, eliminating the need for centralized laboratory testing and reducing turnaround times.
Funding and Publication Details
This groundbreaking research was supported by the Bio & Medical Technology development Program and the Global Young Researcher Program of the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF), alongside the basic research program of the Korea Institute of Materials Science (KIMS).
Journal Reference:
Al Ja’farawy, M.S., et al. (2025). Plasmonic Molecular Entrapment for Label‐Free Methylated DNA Detection and Machine‐Learning Assisted Quantification. Advanced Science*. doi.org/10.1002/advs.202503257
Source: National Research Council of Science & Technology (https://www.nst.re.kr/eng/index.do)
