High-Precision Field-Effect Transistor Biosensor for Analyzing Differential Effects of Anti-Cancer Drugs on Cancerous and Non-Cancerous Cells

Sep 23, 2026

Uploaded by Noah

A high-precision biosensor technique is introduced to independently evaluate the effects of anti-cancer drugs on cancerous (RAJI) and non-cancerous (WIL2S) cells. Current-change curves and transfer characteristic curves are analyzed and fitted under two drugs, camptothecin and doxorubicin, to quantify both the magnitude of drug-induced current changes and the drug entry rate into cells. Flow cytometry validates entry rates. The biosensor exploits the sensitivity of two-dimensional electron gas to detect ultralow proximal charge variations in high-ionic-strength fluids, revealing stronger impacts on tumor cells with differing effects and interaction speeds across cell types. The method supports specificity and mechanism understanding, drug screening, and targeted cancer therapy advancement.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

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Pages11

Reading Time28 min

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Abstract

Introduction

Article High-Precision Field-Effect Transistor Biosensor for Analyzing Differential Effects of Anti-Cancer Drugs on Cancerous and Non-Cancerous Cells Can Li 1, *,†, Can Hu 2,†, Ling Li 1, Feng He 3 and Xiaofei Li 4,5, * Received: 26 December 2024 Revised: 8 February 2025 Accepted: 16 February 2025 Published: 19 February 2025 Citation: Li, C.; Hu, C.; Li, L.; He, F.; Li, X. High-Precision Field-Effect Transistor Biosensor for Analyzing Differential Effects of Anti-Cancer Drugs on Cancerous and NonCancerous Cells. Biosensors 2025, 15, 125. [https://doi.org/10.3390/](https://doi.org/10.3390/)[ ](https://doi.org/10.3390/)bios15020125 Copyright: © 2025 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license ([https://creativecommons.org/](https://creativecommons.org/)[ ](https://creativecommons.org/)[licenses/by/4.0/](licenses/by/4.0/)) . 1 Engineering Research Center of TCM Intelligence Health Service, School of Artificial Intelligence and Information Technology, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China 2 School of Computer and Software, Hohai University, Nanjing 211100, China 3 College of Computer and Information Engineering (College of Artificial Intelligence), Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China 4 Department of Sports Medicine, The First People’s Hospital of Lianyungang, Affiliated Lianyungang Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kangda College of Nanjing Medical University, Lianyungang 222599, China 5 Department of Sports Medicine and Adult Reconstructive Surgery, Drum Tower Clinical Medical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210008, China * Correspondence: [lican@njucm.edu.cn](lican@njucm.edu.cn) (C.L.); [lixiaofei@njmu.edu.cn](lixiaofei@njmu.edu.cn) (X.L.); Tel.: +86-137-7096-0215 (X.L.)† These authors contributed equally to this work. Abstract: A high-precision biosensor technique is introduced, offering the capability to independently evaluate the effects of anti-cancer drugs on both cancerous (RAJI) and non-cancerous (WIL2S) cells. By analyzing and fitting current change curves and transfer characteristic curves under two drugs, camptothecin and doxorubicin, this technique quantifies both the magnitude of drug-induced current changes in cells and the rate of drug entry into cells. Flow cytometry was utilized to validate the entry rates of two drugs, camptothecin and doxorubicin, into the cells. The biosensor leverages the exceptional sensitivity of two-dimensional electron gas to detect proximal charge variations at ultralow concentrations, even in fluids with high ionic strength. The findings reveal that anti-cancer drugs have a more pronounced impact on tumor cells, with the effects and interaction speeds differing across normal cells and tumor cells. This innovative approach not only enhances our understanding of the specificity and action mechanisms of anti-cancer drugs but also provides a valuable tool for screening potential tumor anti-cancer drugs and advancing targeted cancer therapies. Keywords: field-effect transistor biosensors; rapid detection; anti-cancer drugs; camptothecin; doxorubicin; drug action speed 1. Introduction Malignant tumors pose a significant threat to human health, with drug therapy being one of the most common and essential treatment approaches [1,2] . Recently, precision medicine has emerged as a leading trend in cancer treatment [3–5] . To achieve effective and targeted drug therapy for malignant tumors, drug screening plays a crucial role [6] . Anti-cancer drugs exert cytotoxic effects on neoplastic cells, but the impact of different drugs on the same cell type can vary significantly; also, the strong killing effect of antitumor drugs on normal tissues may limit their suitability for tumor treatment [7,8] . The permeability of the cell membranes is r

FAQs

How does the biosensor evaluate anti-cancer drug effects on different cell types?

It independently assesses cancerous (RAJI) and non-cancerous (WIL2S) cells by analyzing and fitting current-change curves and transfer characteristic curves under each drug.

Which drugs and cell models are used in the study?

The technique is tested with camptothecin and doxorubicin on RAJI (cancerous) and WIL2S (non-cancerous) cells.

How are drug entry rates into cells validated?

Flow cytometry is used to validate the entry rates of camptothecin and doxorubicin into the cells.

Sep 23, 2026

Uploaded by Noah