Osaka Metropolitan University researchers use lasers to detect colorectal cancer

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have developed a method to accelerate antibody-antigen interactions using laser irradiation to improve the detection of colorectal cancer biomarkers. The technique, known as the Light-induced Acceleration System (LAC-SYS), allows for the detection of tiny amounts of the glycoprotein CEACAM-5 within minutes.

Colorectal cancer is the third most frequently diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. While current blood-based tests for biomarkers exist, they often require lengthy incubation and washing steps, and frequently struggle with sensitivity when biomarker levels are extremely low.

By attaching multiple antibodies to microscopic beads and introducing them into a flow channel containing blood plasma, the researchers found that applying a laser enhances the interaction between the antibody-coated beads and the target protein. This approach aims to provide a faster and more sensitive diagnostic tool for early cancer detection.