Butterfly-Inspired Imaging Sensor Reveals Hidden UV Spectrum, Detects Cancer Cells with 99% Accuracy
Scientists at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have developed a cutting-edge imaging sensor inspired by the perception abilities of butterflies. The sensor, designed to capture ultraviolet (UV) light, mimics the vision of the Papilio xuthus butterfly, which can perceive a broader range of the UV spectrum than humans. This innovative technology incorporates stacked photodiodes and perovskite nanocrystals (PNCs) to capture different wavelengths within the UV spectrum, according to a report by Phys.org.
The research team, led by electrical and computer engineering professor Viktor Gruev and bioengineering professor Shuming Nie, leveraged the spectral signatures of vital biomedical markers to demonstrate the sensor’s ability to distinguish between cancer cells and normal cells with a confidence level of 99%. Taking inspiration from the compound eyes of butterflies, which possess six or more classes of photoreceptors with unique spectral sensitivities, the team integrated a thin layer of perovskite nanocrystals (PNCs) with silicon photodiodes to replicate the UV perception abilities observed in the Papilio xuthus butterfly.
When ultraviolet photons interact with the PNC layer, they emit visible light in the green spectrum. This emitted light is captured by the layered silicon photodiodes, and by processing the gathered signals, a comprehensive map of UV signatures is generated, enabling precise identification.
The potential applications of this groundbreaking technology extend beyond medical use. In addition to its ability to differentiate between cancerous and healthy cells, the sensor could provide insights into the behavior of species with UV vision, such as hunting and mating habits. It also holds promise for enhancing our understanding of aquatic environments, as many marine species utilize and perceive UV light despite significant absorption by water.
“This new imaging technology is enabling us to differentiate cancerous versus healthy cells and is opening up new and exciting applications beyond just health,” said Professor Nie.
The research team’s findings were published in the journal Science Advances.
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