At NovaCentrix, we are proud to support cutting-edge research that transforms gold nanoparticle ink into a powerful tool for global health. Two recent publications from Old Dominion University, using our gold ink, exemplify how inkjet-printed gold electrodes are enabling the next generation of low-cost, highly sensitive biosensors for cancer diagnostics.
Gold Ink at the Core of Precision Biosensing
Additive Manufacturing Meets Medical Need
The researchers utilized additive manufacturing—in this case, inkjet printing—to fabricate multi-electrode systems directly onto flexible photopaper substrates. This approach offers several critical advantages:
- Digital Design-to-Print Workflow: Enables rapid prototyping and customization for various biosensor configurations.
- No Masks or Etching: Reduces complexity, waste, and cost compared to traditional lithographic techniques.
- Scalability: Supports mass production of disposable biosensors suitable for point-of-care use.
- Substrate Versatility: Compatible with low-cost, flexible, and biodegradable substrates.
Our gold ink was specifically formulated for reliable drop formation, sintering performance, and chemical compatibility—making this work possible.
Publication 1: A Paper-Based DNA Biosensor for miR-21
This biosensor detects miR-21, a microRNA widely overexpressed in several cancers including breast, lung, and prostate. Using inkjet-printed gold electrodes enhanced with electrodeposited gold nanoparticles, the researchers achieved:
- Detection limit: 0.35 fM
- Linear range: 1 fM to 1 nM
- Response time: 15 minutes
This work provides a low-cost, scalable point-of-care platform for early cancer detection in resource-limited settings, where access to centralized laboratories is often not feasible.
Publication 2: Disposable Sensor for miR-141 in Synthetic Urine
This second study focuses on miR-141, a promising non-invasive biomarker for metastatic prostate cancer, detectable in urine. With the same inkjet-printed gold foundation, the biosensor achieved:
- Detection limit: 2.15 fM
- Linear range: 1 fM to 100 nM
- High selectivity and repeatability in synthetic urine
The platform demonstrates strong potential for decentralized, non-invasive cancer monitoring, with adaptability to other disease-specific miRNAs by simply modifying the DNA probe. It represents a critical step forward for longitudinal disease monitoring in clinical and at-home settings.
Toward Global Health Equity through Materials Innovation
At the heart of these advances is a shared vision: to democratize access to high-quality medical diagnostics. Cancer remains a leading cause of death worldwide, and timely detection can make all the difference. But achieving this in underserved areas demands tools that are not only accurate, but also affordable, disposable, and easy to deploy.
By enabling inkjet-printed biosensor platforms through high-performance gold ink, we are helping bridge the gap between scientific potential and real-world application. These papers show that advanced diagnostics no longer require centralized labs or costly instrumentation—just smart design, gold electrodes, and a drop of fluid.
Want to Learn More?
If you are developing point-of-care diagnostic devices, biosensors, or printed electronics, we invite you to connect with us. Our gold inks are trusted by researchers and engineers around the world who are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in additive manufacturing and healthcare innovation.
Contact us today to see how our materials can support your next breakthrough.