Biosensors; New Option to Diagnose Leukemia

Application of gold bar-like nanostructures with perfect optical properties has attracted attentions to diagnose and treat disease.

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2015-10-26

Iranian researchers from Tarbiat Modarres University designed a biosensor that enables the early diagnosis of leukemia in the test sample by using naked eyes. The biosensors have been produced at low cost, and they enjoy high sensitivity, selectivity and speed.

The aim of the research was to design an effective system to diagnose blood cancer (leukemia) by using gold nanobars. To this end, samples of a nanobiosensor have been designed and their application has been evaluated in the diagnosis of the disease.

The presence of some proteins in biological liquids of humans (blood, saliva and urine) with determined concentration can be the sign of dangerous diseases. Therefore, it is effective to monitor and measure the proteins to diagnose and prevent diseases. Lysozyme protein has been selected as the target biomolecule in this research. The excess secretion of this protein can be a sign of malfunction in kidney performance and it may result in leukemia.

Diagnosis tests are very time-consuming, expensive and difficult in some cases. For example, common methods to diagnose lysozyme protein are Turbidity Meter, Lyso-rocket electrophoresis and ELISA. All of these methods have some problems due to their complication of the process, sensitivity, cost, energy loss and human resources. The system designed in this research is less complicated in comparison with other diagnosis methods, and it is available, sensitive, cost effective and quick.

source: Nanotechnology Now