A simple saliva test for breast cancer diagnosis. A few drops of saliva are in fact sufficient to detect the signature molecules of cancer, the so-called biomarkers, providing results within 5 seconds instead of days.
The innovative sensor was developed by the research group led by the American University of Florida and the National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University of Taiwan. The device uses paper strips treated with specific antibodies that bind to typical breast cancer biomarkers following the sending of electrical impulses. The biosensor requires only a drop of saliva and can provide accurate results even if the concentration of cancer signature molecules is very low.