Researchers develop nanotube-based model for early lung cancer detection

City Desk :

Researchers from Jahangirnagar University, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), and several international institutions have developed a new theoretical model using aluminium-based nanotubes that could transform early detection of lung cancer through a non-invasive and affordable biosensing method.

The study, titled “Aluminium-derived nanotubes for lung cancer detection: a DFT inquisition” was published in the international journal Scientific Reports, a publication of Nature Portfolio, in October 2025.

The research was led by Aoly Ur Rahman of BUET, with co-authors including Dr. Md. Kabir Uddin Sikder of Jahangirnagar University’s Physics department, D. M. Saaduzzaman.

of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (USA), Syed Mahedi Hasan of the Florida Institute of Technology and Muzzakkir Amin of the University of California (USA), reports BSS.

The team focused on creating highly sensitive nanosensors using two types of aluminium-derived nanotubes: Aluminum Nitride Nanotube (AlNNT) and Aluminum Phosphide Nanotube (AlPNT).

The materials were tested computationally to detect three common volatile organic compound (VOC) biomarkers of lung cancer – acetaldehyde, aniline, and isoprene, which are present in the exhaled breath of patients.

Using a quantum mechanical method called Density Functional Theory, the researchers simulated how the nanotubes interact with the biomarkers.

They found that both nanotubes could adsorb the biomarkers through heat-releasing chemical reactions.

However, Aluminum Nitride Nanotubes showed 26.30 to 29.66 percent higher adsorption efficiency compared to Aluminum Phosphide Nanotubes, making them more effective as biosensing materials.

“Aluminum Nitride Nanotubes exhibit stronger interactions and higher sensitivity to lung cancer biomarkers than Aluminum Phosphide Nanotubes,” said lead author Aoly Ur Rahman.

He added that these nanotubes are ideal for developing cost-effective, non-invasive sensors that could detect lung cancer at an early stage.