Novel DNA biosensor could diagnose cervical cancer early

A novel DNA biosensor developed by researchers from Chung-Ang University could help diagnose cervical cancer early.

The electrochemical sensor, made of a graphitic nano-onion/molybdenum disulfide nanosheet composite, could detect with high specificity two high-risk types of HPV, HPV-16 and HPV-18, which are responsible for around 70 per cent of all HPV-related cervical cancers.

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂), a two dimensional layered material composed of molybdenum and sulfur, has recently garnered attention among researchers owing to its ability to form two-dimensional nanosheets like graphene.

The unique structural, optical, thermal, and electrochemical properties of MoS₂ have opened up multiple research avenues across several fields, including the development of biomolecule sensing and chemical detection platforms.

Against this backdrop, associate professor Eunah Kang and Mr Youngjun Kim from the School of Chemical Engineering and Material Science at Chung-Ang University, South Korea have recently come up with a solution for the detection of cervical cancer.

The researchers developed a DNA biosensor which could detect HPV-16 and HPV-18 and serve as an early diagnosis of the disease.

The duo found that the nano-onion/MoS₂ nanosheet composite electrode attained higher current peaks, indicating a greater change in the differential peak. This was attributed to an enhanced conductive electron transfer owing to the nano-onion.

Notably, the target DNAs produced from HPV-16 and HPV-18 Siha and Hela cancer cell lines were detected by the proposed sensor effectively and with high specificity.

Consequently, the researchers noted that MoS₂ nanosheets with improved electrical conductivity may be able to provide a suitable platform for developing effective and efficient electrochemical biosensors for the early diagnosis of a wide variety of ailments, including cervical cancer.

Globally cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women, with an estimated 604, 000 new cases in 2020.

When diagnosed, cervical cancer is one of the most successfully treatable forms of cancer, as long as it is detected early and managed effectively.