Representational Image.

By Mah Alam

JAHANGIRNAGAR UNIVERSITY, Oct 12, 2025 (BSS) - 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).

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.

According to the World Health Organization, lung cancer is among the deadliest forms of cancer, causing around two million deaths globally each year, with over four million new cases annually. 

Existing diagnostic methods, such as CT scans, MRI, PET scans, and tissue biopsies, are often expensive, invasive, and time-consuming and their frequent use is limited by risks of radiation exposure and false positives.

The study suggests a new approach: detecting lung cancer through breath analysis, which is simple, fast, and non-invasive. 

Exhaled breath contains volatile organic compounds that reflect changes in the body's metabolism. Advanced nanosensors could identify these compounds, potentially detecting cancer at its earliest, most treatable stage.

The researchers also conducted detailed analyses of the nanotubes' structural, thermodynamic, electronic, and optical properties. Aluminum Nitride Nanotubes were found to be more stable, reactive, and efficient in generating measurable electrochemical signals in the presence of biomarkers. 

Optical analyses showed that both nanotubes could be used in biosensors as well as optoelectronic devices that detect chemical compounds through light.

"The structural, electrical, thermodynamic, and optical analyses confirm that Aluminum Nitride Nanotubes are more reliable than Aluminum Phosphide Nanotubes for developing lung cancer biosensors," said co-author Prof. Dr. Md. Kabir Uddin Sikder. 

He added that these findings could guide the creation of practical nanosensors to detect harmful chemicals in human breath, potentially enabling early lung cancer diagnosis and saving thousands of lives.

Prof. Kabir urged government agencies, philanthropic organizations and private investors to support the clinical development and practical implementation of the model.