Warwick University researchers have developed a new diamond -based magnetic field sensor that can be used to locate tumors more accurately through magnetic fluid screening injected into the body.
The diagnosis of cancer becomes more problematic when the tumor cells Already metastized to other organs.
This happens, in most cases, through the lymphatic ganglia and the lymphatic drainage system.
The tests designed to verify if there are Cancer cells housed In lymph nodes are the reference pattern in metastases detection and the definition of proper treatment.
In a new one, published last week in Physical Review Applieda team of researchers from the University of Warwick now reports having developed a new non -toxic and non -radioactive device that uses the unique properties of Diamonds to diagnose breast cancer metastatic.
It is a portable equipmentultrasensitive and long -range, which offers an improved solution to one of the most frequent challenges faced by cancer surgeons.
“There is a great need for versatile and non -toxic methods to identify cancer, says Alex Newmanresearcher at the University of Warwick and first author of the article at the University.
“With this new diamond -based sensor we can reduce the size of the sensor’s head to only 10 mmwhat makes it in the first diamond sensor capable of detecting magnetic screening fluid and at the same time, small enough to be Used in endoscopy And in minimally invasive surgery, ”adds the investigator.
“It’s also extremely sensitivemanaging to detect up to a hundredth part of the usual clinical dose of magnetic screening fluid, ”says Newman.
The diamond sensor works detecting magnetic screening fluidcomposed of iron oxide nanoparticles, which is introduced into the patient during or before breast cancer surgery.
The fluid is injected into the tumor and goes to the lymph nodes together with metastized cancer cells. A diamond -based magnetic field sensor then allows locate the trace fluid and accurately identify lymph nodes to surgically remove in order to lock the spread of cancer.
Morley G., Newman A. et al
Diamond used by the U.Warwick investigators team
Compact design was achieved through the use of a tiny diamond (0.5 mm³) and a small permanent magnet coupled to the end of the probe. This solution eliminates the need for bulky electronicsallowing a portable and versatile instrument.
“Diamonds can detect magnetic fields thanks to color centers existing in its structure, designated ‘nitrogen vacancy centers’. These allow the diamond to record minimal changes in the magnetic field and give it a characteristic pink hue, ”explains Gavin MorleyProfessor at the Department of Physics at U.Warwick and team leader.
“We hope to use these magnetic field sensors not only in medical applications, but also in spaceships and fusion energy”Adds Morley.
The screening of cancer is not new, but the traditional methods used in hospitals resort to radioactive or blue dyes trackers. Radioactive trackers are not available in all hospital units due to the requirements security measures associated with the handling of radioactive materials.
Already The blue dye causes allergic reactions In about one in every hundred patients, which is an unwanted complication when the patient is under general anesthesia.
The detection of magnetic fluid with a small and sensitive sensor like this, based on diamond, You can mark a significant turn in the detection techniques of metastasted cancers.
In the future, the study authors say, the technique now developed may have Applications in other types of cancerlike that of the lung, liver, colon and esophagus.
