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Detection of Four Distinct Volatile Indicators of Colorectal Cancer using Functionalized Titania Nanotubular Arrays
Dhiman Bhattacharyya1, Pankaj Kumar2, Swomitra K Mohanty3,4
1Department of Metallurgical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA. dhiman.opel@gmail.com.
This study introduces a novel electrochemical sensor for detecting key volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in breath, aiding in early colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. The sensor utilizes functionalized titania nanotubular arrays to identify specific CRC biomarkers.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Analytical Chemistry
- Oncology
Background:
- Early detection of colorectal cancer (CRC) is vital for effective treatment and improved patient outcomes.
- Breath analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) presents a non-invasive screening method for various diseases, including cancers.
- Specific VOCs like cyclohexane, methylcyclohexane, 1,3-dimethylbenzene, and decanal are identified as potential biomarkers for CRC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and investigate a novel sensor for detecting prominent colorectal cancer (CRC)-specific volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in exhaled breath.
- To explore the potential of functionalized titania nanotubular arrays (TNAs) as an electrochemical sensor platform for CRC biomarker detection.
- To elucidate the electrochemical sensing mechanism involving nickel-functionalized TNAs and CRC-associated VOCs.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of nickel-functionalized titania nanotubular arrays (TNAs).
- Electrochemical detection of four specific colorectal cancer (CRC) biomarkers: cyclohexane, methylcyclohexane, 1,3-dimethylbenzene, and decanal.
- Analysis of the electrochemical interaction mechanism between the functionalized sensor and the target VOCs.
Main Results:
- Successful detection of key colorectal cancer (CRC) volatile organic compounds (VOCs) using nickel-functionalized TNAs.
- Demonstration of the sensor's capability to identify specific CRC biomarkers present in breath.
- Characterization of the electrochemical sensing mechanism based on the interaction between nickel-functionalized nanotubes and VOCs.
Conclusions:
- Nickel-functionalized titania nanotubular arrays (TNAs) show promise as an electrochemical sensor for detecting colorectal cancer (CRC)-specific volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
- This sensor technology offers a potential non-invasive approach for early-stage CRC screening through breath analysis.
- Further research into the sensing mechanism and sensor optimization could lead to a viable diagnostic tool for colorectal cancer.
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