Amil Aligayev, a graduate of Baku Engineering University (BEU) in Physics and currently working at the National Center for Nuclear Research in Poland, has made a significant scientific breakthrough in the early detection of lung cancer. Together with researchers from China and Warsaw University of Technology, he developed a highly sensitive dual-mode biosensor that enables the detection of hexanal, a reliable biomarker of the disease. This innovative approach makes a significant contribution to the development of a modern scientific direction called "breathomics", aimed at the non-invasive detection of lung cancer at an early stage. When exposed to hexanal, the biosensor emits both a strong Raman signal and turns blue, which makes it possible to detect it with laboratory devices and the naked eye. As a result of the tests, it was determined that the biosensor demonstrates high sensitivity, selectivity, repeatability and long-term stability, as well as antibacterial activity.

The scientific team integrated this biosensor into mouth masks and mesh-based devices and tested it on 20 lung cancer patients and 20 healthy individuals. The results allowed them to accurately and quickly detect the presence of hexanal in the patients' breath samples. Moreover, the researchers developed an artificial intelligence-based color recognition system called "ColorSeek." This system, based on the deep learning method, can analyze the sensor's color changes in real time via a smartphone and computer with an accuracy of more than 95%. The research results were published in the Chemical Engineering Journal (DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2025.168343) in the form of an article titled "Dual-mode SERS and colorimetric sensor for lung cancer VOC-biomarker detection using hydrogel patches" and aroused wide interest in the scientific community. Furthermore, this study became a trend in the press in Poland, China and several other countries.

Of note, Amil Aligayev, who graduated from BEU with honors, began his academic career at the Physics Department of the University. His deep interest in condensed matter physics led him to pursue a master's degree abroad. He completed his master's degree with honors from the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, and also received a doctorate in philosophy (Ph.D.) from the aforementioned university in 2025. He was awarded the “Honorary Credential” (Summa Cum Laude) for his scientific achievements. Currently, Amil Aligayev is a member of the Multiscale Hybrid Modeling of Materials research group of the NOMATEN CeO Institute located at the National Center for Nuclear Research in Poland. A.Aligayev conducts joint scientific research with leading international scientific institutions in China, France, Finland and England. In addition to his research activities, he plays an important role in the dissemination of advanced scientific works on the Study of Water-Nanomaterial Interactions by working as a Guest Editor in the Entropy (MDPI) journal.

Public Relations Department