and Simulation of MEMS Device for the Detection of Cancer Cells

Abstract

MEMS, an acronym of Micro Electro Mechanical System, is frequently finding its application in lots of biosensor devices. The electrical characteristics of biological cells and tissues play a vital role in defining the usefulness of such sensors. The fact that the chemical, geometrical and other biophysical characteristics effect the electrical response of cells and tissues, many devices are being made and clinically utilized for diagnosis and treatment of various diseases. As the size of biological cells and tissues are in micrometers, MEMS are most suitable for biological applications. Early diagnosis of the deadliest disease, called cancer, is a matter of concern because most of the cancers could be treated when diagnosed at an early stage. Many measuring techniques like electrochemical/bio impedance spectroscopy, dielectric spectroscopy, magnetic resonance spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, etc. are used for detecting various diseases including cancer. Since breast cancer is the second common cancer throughout the world, it has been chosen for the present work. Although many significant sensors have been made in diagnosis and treatment of this cancer, there is always a need of more economical, easy to use and robust sensor for diagnosis and distinguishing different types of samples of this cancer. Endeavor has been made to model an in vitro interdigitated sensor for early diagnosis of breast cancer. The simulation is done in COMSOL multiphysics environment and the results are supported by the previous results obtained from other sensors for diagnosis of breast cancer.