Sponge-like gold nanoparticles could upgrade ovarian cancer diagnostics

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September 9, 2025, 3:30 PM

• •Gold nanoparticles developed to detect ovarian cancer markers in samples.
• •Utilizes Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) for enhanced sensitivity.
• •Outperforms current blood tests in accuracy.
• •Portable, simple, and affordable technology for wider accessibility.

University of Queensland Ph.D. student Javeria Bashir led a project creating gold nanoparticles to highlight cancer markers in samples like urine, saliva, or blood. These nanoparticles utilize Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) to boost the sensitivity of light sensors, enhancing cancer diagnostics. This technology, using mesoporous gold nanoparticles, outperforms current blood tests in detecting and ruling out ovarian cancer. The portability, simplicity, and affordability of this sensor technology will be particularly beneficial for women in remote or under-resourced regions, paving the way for personalized treatment strategies.

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