Detection of colorectal biomarkers in the presence of interfering gases

Nanotechnology has considerable promise for the detection of cancer. Medical studies show that tumor growth is accompanied by protein changes that may lead to the peroxidation of the cell membrane, with consequent emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs can be detected through breath or intestinal gases and are biomarkers for colorectal cancer (CRC). The analysis of VOCs represents a non-invasive and potentially inexpensive pre-screening technique. An array of chemoresistive gas sensors, based on screen-printed metal oxide semiconducting films, has been selected to discriminate gases of oncological interest, as benzene, 1-iodo-nonane or decanal, from the main interferers in the gut.