Breakthrough in Cancer Detection: Phosphorene-Based Electrochemical Sensor

Researchers at the University of Tehran have developed a novel high-sensitivity electrochemical sensor for cancer cell detection using phosphorene functionalized with sialic acid biomolecules. This innovative approach has shown remarkable results in attachment and capture of cancerous cells, with a record value of 4 cells per mL. The sensor's performance is attributed to the presence of SA-binding immunoglobulin superfamily lectins (Siglecs) on the membrane of invasive cancer cells, which distinguish it from its non-malignant counterparts.

Key Takeaways:

• The research, published in the journal Nanoscale, utilized phosphorene functionalized with sialic acid molecules to create a high-sensitivity electrochemical sensor for cancer cell detection.
• The sensor demonstrated superior attachment of cancerous cells to the surface of the electrode, leading to detectable electrochemical signals.
• The attachment of SA molecules to the surface of phosphorene was confirmed using density functional theory (DFT), showing the formation of covalent bonds between the carboxylic component of the molecule and the lone pair of electrons of phosphorus atoms.
• The sensor showed great detection ability, but its performance on healthy or less aggressive cells is surprising due to the presence of SA-binding immunoglobulin superfamily lectins (Siglecs) on the membrane of invasive cancer cells.
• The research was conducted by a team of researchers at the University of Tehran, including Asma Souri, Behzad Dadashnia, Nasrin Khazamipour, Omid Babaee, Ziba Torkashvand, Mehran Habibi-Rezaei, and Shams Mohajerzadeh.
• The study has been peer-reviewed and published in the journal Nanoscale.

Statistics:

• The sensor showed a record value of 4 cells per mL.
• Phosphorene functionalized with sialic acid molecules demonstrated superior electrochemical signals compared to non-functionalized phosphorene.
• The density functional theory (DFT) calculation confirmed the formation of covalent bonds between the carboxylic component of the SA molecule and the lone pair of electrons of phosphorus atoms.

Sources:

• A novel high-sensitivity electrochemical sensor for cancer cell detection by means of phosphorene functionalized with sialic acid biomolecules. Nanoscale, 2025.
• NewsRx. University of Tehran Reports Findings in Cancer (A novel high-sensitivity electrochemical sensor for cancer cell detection by means of phosphorene functionalized with sialic acid biomolecules). Chemicals & Chemistry. August 8, 2025; p 5906.