A University of Denver professor has developed a miniature spectrometer that could revolutionize cancer detection by making it more accessible and affordable.
Dali Sun, an associate professor of engineering and computer science at the University of Denver, is on a mission to conquer cancer using engineering principles. Sun, drawing upon his engineering expertise, has developed a groundbreaking miniature elliptical dichroism spectrometer. This innovative device harnesses the power of light to analyze the structure and quantity of molecules within cell samples.
By detecting alterations in protein folding patterns, specifically an increase in beta sheet structures, the spectrometer can identify the presence of tumor cells. Sun explains, 'In our lab, we found that a tumor cancer cell has more beta sheet, which is a folding structure of the proteins. So if the sample shows more folding structure in the spectrometer, that means this patient may have cancer.'Traditional spectrometers, however, are often plagued by limitations such as their bulky size, exorbitant costs, and intricate operation. These factors hinder their widespread adoption in clinical settings. Sun's invention addresses these challenges head-on. This compact device, roughly the size of a tissue box, is priced around $1,000, making molecular analysis more accessible and applicable in various settings, including clinical, research, and educational institutions. Sun envisions a future where this technology is readily available in labs of all sizes, from remote rural high schools to cutting-edge research facilities. The potential applications of this spectrometer extend far beyond cancer detection. Sun's research has demonstrated its ability to identify DNA structure changes associated with heart disease and Down syndrome. This versatility underscores the groundbreaking nature of his work and its significant implications for the field of medical diagnostics
CANCER DETECTION ENGINEERING SPECTROMETER MEDICAL DIAGNOSTICS TECHNOLOGY
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