Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have created a glowing paper sensor to enable early, affordable liver cancer detection.
The device uses the rare earth metal terbium to target the enzyme β-glucuronidase, which is linked to liver, colon, and other cancers.
This innovation offers a sensitive, low-cost tool for resource-poor settings.
The sensor works by harnessing terbium’s green glow under ultraviolet (UV) light.
When β-glucuronidase is present, it triggers a reaction that releases a molecule acting as an “antenna,” which transfers UV energy to the terbium, amplifying its luminescence. This long-lived emission ensures a clear, strong signal.
Designed for simplicity and portability, the sensor is a paper disc that can be used with a basic UV lamp. It detects enzyme levels as low as 185 nanograms per milliliter, making it highly effective for early screening in rural clinics.
