Researchers from the University of Florida (United States) and National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (Taiwan) have reported successful results from a device. The device uses paper test strips treated with specific antibodies that interact with specific cancer biomarkers.
A saliva sample is placed on the strip and pulses of electricity are sent to the electrical contact points of the biosensor device. These pulses cause the biomarkers to bind to the antibodies and alter the charge and capacitance on the electrode. This produces a change in the output signal, which can be measured and translated into digital information.