Researchers develop affordable and fast test device for brain cancer

Researchers at the University of Notre Dame have developed an automated device that can diagnose glioblastoma, an incurable brain cancer, in less than an hour. The device features a biochip that uses a sensor that detects biomarkers, called active Epidermal Growth Factor Receptors (EGFRs), that are overexpressed in glioblastoma. EGFRs are found on extracellular vesicles – structures that carry cargo between cells. The device also features silica nanoparticles that report the presence of active EGFRs on the captured extracellular vesicles, while bringing a high negative charge.