Exploring the potential of nanotechnology for early detection of cancer disease by microfluidic paper based analytical devices

Abstract

Cancer is the second most common cause of mortality over the last few years in the worldwide. Late diagnosis of this disease is the main cause of death among cancer patients. Conventional methods do not have enough sensitivity for timely diagnosis. So sensitive, fast and available diagnostic devices are highly needed for diagnosis in the early stages. Due to the change in the size and shape of cancer cells compared to normal cells, biosensors are a suitable option for cancer diagnosis. In recent years, to miniaturization of the biosensors in order to use them better, easier and to reduce costs, researchers introduced microfluidic biosensors. Microfluidic paper-based biosensors (mu PBs), used as point-of-care (POC) diagnostic devices, could eliminate the need for expensive and time-consuming procedures in conventional cancer diagnosis. In this review, we will evaluate the efficacy of nanotechnology in paper-based microfluidic biosensors for early stage cancer diagnosis.