New sensor technology accelerates blood analysis
27 Sep 2016 by Evoluted New Media
Scientists in York have developed a sensor capable of detecting multiple proteins and enzymes in smaller blood samples.
The biosensor consists of small nanosized devices that resonate at a specific optical frequency. By modifying its electrical properties, the surface of individual devices can be altered to be sensitive to different proteins. This could mean more comfortable blood tests for patients with a quicker turnaround time.
Professor Thomas Krauss, from the University of York, said: “These sensors can give fast, real time results and at low cost. The length of time and money that it takes laboratory technicians to identify just one protein in a patient sample is a real challenge for the NHS and can result in emotional distress for patients.”
Current tests to detect the infection of disease use blood taken from patients. However for suspected cancer cells or resistant infections, it can take longer for blood tests to be analysed.
Researchers are planning to test this technology with urine samples for urinary tract infections with a high resistance to antibiotic treatment. It is hoped if biomarkers for the infection can be identified; the right treatment for UTI can be used straight away, preventing repeat prescriptions of different antibiotics.
Dr Steve Johnson, also from York University, said: “Combining light and electricity in silicon sensors has never been done before. This exciting new technology provides in-depth analysis of biological interactions and new ways of sensing on the micro-scale.”
The research was supported by the UK Engineering and Physical Science Research Council and is published in Nature Communications.
