Researchers develop low-cost technology to detect cancer

While many college football fans are focused on this week's marquee matchup between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Clemson Tigers, researchers from the two institutions are working together off the playing field to develop low-cost technology that can detect cancer.

Jian He, assistant professor of physics and astronomy at Clemson, and Leidong Mao, associate professor in the College of Engineering at the University of Georgia, discovered a system to measure magnetic properties of materials by combining their knowledge of ferrofluids, or liquid magnets, and microfluidics, fluids that are geometrically constrained to a small, typically sub-millimeter, scale.

"Conventional equipment for measuring magnetic properties of materials is large and expensive," Mao said. "By combining these two technologies, we are able to measure magnetic properties of materials using a low-cost, small device that works quickly and leaves a small footprint."

The researchers use their technology to isolate cancer cells with magnetic particles from a sample.

"Being able to measure magnetic properties in a low-cost and fast fashion is of great importance in the area of biomedical research," said He. "We aim to use our technique not only to measure magnetic properties, but also as a diagnostic tool to distinguish between normal cells and cancer cells in the long run."

This research collaboration will continue to build on current results of their technology and apply to other types of applications including materials research and cancer diagnostics.