Classification of lung cancer histology by gold nanoparticle sensors

Orna Barash, Nir Peled, Ulrike Tisch, Paul A. Bunn, Fred R. Hirsch, Hossam Haick

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

163 Scopus citations

Abstract

We propose a nanomedical device for the classification of lung cancer (LC) histology. The device profiles volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the headspace of (subtypes of) LC cells, using gold nanoparticle (GNP) sensors that are suitable for detecting LC-specific patterns of VOC profiles, as determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. Analyzing the GNP sensing signals by support vector machine allowed significant discrimination between (i) LC and healthy cells; (ii) small cell LC and non-small cell LC; and between (iii) two subtypes of non-small cell LC: adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. The discriminative power of the GNP sensors was then linked with the chemical nature and composition of the headspace VOCs of each LC state. These proof-of-concept findings could totally revolutionize LC screening and diagnosis, and might eventually allow early and differential diagnosis of LC subtypes with detectable or unreachable lung nodules. From the Clinical Editor: In this study, a nanomedical device that profiles volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in lung cancer cells is investigated, using a matrix of gold nanoparticle (GNP) sensors that are suitable for detecting lung cancer (LC) specific patterns of VOC profiles. This device might eventually allow early differential diagnosis of LC subtypes including unreachable lung nodules.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)580-589
Number of pages10
JournalNanomedicine: Nanotechnology, Biology, and Medicine
Volume8
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jul 2012
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Gold nanoparticle
  • Histology
  • Lung cancer
  • Sensor
  • Volatile organic compound

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Bioengineering
  • Medicine (miscellaneous)
  • Molecular Medicine
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • General Materials Science
  • Pharmaceutical Science

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