February 19, 2025

New Imaging Sensor Inspired by Butterflies Can Detect Cancer Cells with 99% Confidence

Scientists at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have developed a new imaging sensor inspired by the visual system of butterflies that can ‘see’ into the ultraviolet (UV) range of light, which is inaccessible to human eyes. The sensor uses stacked photodiodes and perovskite nanocrystals (PNCs) to image different wavelengths in the UV range. By utilizing the spectral signatures of biomedical markers like amino acids, the sensor is able to differentiate between cancer cells and normal cells with 99% accuracy.

The researchers, led by Professor Viktor Gruev and Professor Shuming Nie, published their findings in the journal Science Advances. They designed a camera that replicates the enhanced visual system of butterflies, which can perceive multiple regions in the UV spectrum. The camera combines novel perovskite nanocrystals with silicon imaging technology to detect multiple UV regions.

UV light has shorter wavelengths than visible light and is categorized into UVA, UVB, and UVC based on different wavelength ranges. Humans cannot see UV light, making it challenging to capture UV information and discern the small differences between each region. However, butterflies can perceive these small variations in the UV spectrum, similar to how humans perceive shades of blue and green.

The researchers drew inspiration from butterflies’ compound eyes, which have six or more photoreceptor classes with distinct spectral sensitivities. The Papilio xuthus butterfly, in particular, has receptors for blue, green, red, violet, ultraviolet, and broadband light. Additionally, butterflies have fluorescent pigments that convert UV light into visible light, allowing them to perceive a broader range of colors and details in their environment.

To replicate the UV sensing mechanism of the Papilio xuthus butterfly, the researchers combined a thin layer of perovskite nanocrystals with a tiered array of silicon photodiodes. Perovskite nanocrystals are semiconductor nanocrystals that have unique properties for detecting UV and lower wavelengths. The nanocrystal layer absorbs UV photons and re-emits visible green light, which is detected by the tiered silicon photodiodes. The signals are processed to map and identify UV signatures.

The potential applications of this imaging technology go beyond healthcare. Biomedical markers present in cancerous tissues, such as amino acids, proteins, and enzymes, fluoresce in the UV and visible spectrum when excited with UV light. The sensor’s ability to differentiate between cancer and healthy cells based on their fluorescence can be particularly useful during surgery, aiding in decision-making and ensuring clear margins when removing tumors.

Furthermore, the researchers believe that this technology could have exciting applications in biology, as many other species, besides butterflies, are capable of seeing in the UV range. By detecting UV light, scientists can gain insights into various species’ behaviors, such as hunting and mating habits. The sensor can also be utilized underwater to understand the impact of UV light on aquatic environments, as many underwater animals see and use UV light.

In conclusion, the new imaging sensor inspired by butterflies has the potential to revolutionize cancer detection and broaden our understanding of the natural world. With its ability to perceive the unseen and differentiate between cancer and healthy cells, this technology opens up possibilities for various applications in healthcare and beyond.

*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it

Money Singh
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Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemicals and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc. 

Money Singh

Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemicals and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc. 

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