Smart Slice to Diagnose Cancer Cells in Blood And Kidney, 100% Egyptian

By: Ibrahim Eldeeb

CAIRO, Nov. 13 (SEE) - A research team, that included scientists from the American University in Cairo and Zewail City for Science and Technology, managed to produce the first medical slice used to diagnose diseases such as blood diseases, cancer, and diabetes.

In this regard, Yehia Ghalab, assistant professor at the AUC's and Zewil City's Nanotechnology Center, explained how the slice functions. It collects a large number of different electronic circles and sensors that is placed on one electronic circle so living cells can be distinguished from cancer ones.

Reda Abdel Baset, a researcher at the center, added that the slice was applied on kidney's cancer cells. It was also showed the differences between stem cells and multiple cells such as the ones encountered in muscles and blood through DNA cells.

From his side, Director of Nano-electronics and Devices at AUC and Zewil's City Yehea Ismail clarified that the smart medical slice contains million of sensors. Thanks to the sensors' small size in comparison with that of the targeted cells, structure is to detect the targeted cell, whether its weight, shape, characteristics, etc.

He added that the slice is put in a diagnostic device and not inside the human's body. "Sample is placed on the slice to measure changes. It is shown then whether one suffers cancer or no. In case he does, diseases' level is detected."

Slice is to be used only once unlike the diagnostic device. The idea is close to how blood glucose monitor functions, as its slice is movable and its device is fixed.

"Recently we cooperated with Cairo University an Qasr El Eyni to work on kidney's samples," adding that "in no more than seconds we managed to determine hepatitis C is present or not through blood and plasma cells," Ismail informed.

"When the slice's production starts and more work is invested, its cost would not exceed few dollars. "

Ismail concluded "The slice is an Egyptian design and intellectual property rights belong to Egypt. The team consisting of 8 researchers worked during 5 years to produce this slice. They were financed by the AUC, Zewil's City, Academy of Scientific Research and Technology, and Ministry of Communications."