Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 22, 2025
Surface-enhanced Resonance Raman Scattering Nanoprobe Ratiometry for Detecting Microscopic Ovarian Cancer via Folate Receptor Targeting
Published on: March 25, 2019
Surface roughness-induced absorption acts as an ovarian cancer cells growth sensor-monitor
Aviad Katiyi1, Jonathan Zorea2, Aviran Halstuch1
1School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, 8410501, Israel; Ilse Katz Institute for Nanoscale Science & Technology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel.
Abstract:
Uncontrolled growth of ovarian cancer cells is the fifth leading cause of female cancer deaths since most ovarian cancer patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage of metastatic disease. Here, we report on the sensor for monitoring the cancer treatment efficiency in real-time. We measure the optical interaction between the evanescent fields of microfiber and ovarian cancer inter-cellular medium at different treatment stages. Spectral absorption signatures are correlated with optical micrographs and western blot tests. We found that the treatment of tumor cells with induces both cells growth arrest and alter the spectral lines in a dose-dependent manner. These observations are mediated by surface roughness out of silica glass material, form an essential step toward the development of early detection of response to cancer therapy.
Insights
This study introduces a novel sensor to monitor ovarian cancer treatment effectiveness in real-time. The sensor detects changes in spectral absorption, correlating them with treatment response and enabling early detection of therapy efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Optical Sensing
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Ovarian cancer is a leading cause of female cancer deaths, often diagnosed at advanced metastatic stages.
- Monitoring treatment efficiency in real-time is crucial for improving patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a sensor for real-time monitoring of ovarian cancer treatment efficiency.
- To correlate optical spectral signatures with cellular changes during treatment.
Main Methods:
- Utilized microfiber evanescent field optical interaction with ovarian cancer cells.
- Measured spectral absorption signatures at various treatment stages.
- Correlated spectral data with optical micrographs and western blot analyses.
Main Results:
- Ovarian cancer cell treatment induced growth arrest.
- Spectral lines were altered in a dose-dependent manner following treatment.
- Surface roughness of silica glass mediated these optical observations.
Conclusions:
- The developed sensor provides real-time monitoring of ovarian cancer treatment response.
- This technology is a significant step towards early detection of therapeutic efficacy in ovarian cancer.
