Microwave Metasensor for Malignancy Detection in the Human Body

This article presents the design and development of a Triple Split Ring Resonator (TSRR) Metamaterial Sensor for precise detection of malignancies in the human body. The sensor operates at three distinct resonance frequencies of 3.22 GHz, ISM band at 5.8 GHz, and 8.47 GHz. The TSRR design exploits the properties of metamaterials, specifically negative permittivity and negative permeability, to manipulate electromagnetic waves and enhance resonance characteristics. This results in stronger field confinement due to the close proximity of the three split-ring patches, improving the sensor’s sensitivity to dielectric changes, particularly those associated with malignant cells. A 2×2 array configuration of the sensor was fabricated using standard printed circuit board (PCB) technology, and its performance was validated through measurements. To simulate physiological conditions, five samples with dielectric permittivity values ranging from 40 to 76 were prepared, representing varying dielectric properties. The sensor exhibits a sensitivity of 44.615 MHz/Δɛ to these dielectric property changes, with distinct transmission frequency shifts corresponding to the sample variations. The unique triple split ring geometry enhances electromagnetic field confinement, contributing to improved sensing efficiency and a high-Quality Factor of approximately 72.5. These findings support the sensor’s capability to detect malignancy traits, highlighting its potential as a valuable tool for non-invasive biomedical diagnostics. The proposed sensor exhibits competitive performance metrics with current state-of-the-art technologies and can be extended through rigorous validation, wireless integration, and optimization for multi-analyte detection, thereby enhancing its clinical relevance. Its potential to transform current diagnostic practices and broaden applicability across healthcare settings positions it as a promising advancement in the field.