We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
RANDOX LABORATORIES

Download Mobile App




New Minimally Invasive Cancer Diagnostic Device Eavesdrops On Cells’ Conversations

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 26 Oct 2023
Print article
Image: The new technology could lead to quick, minimally invasive cancer diagnoses (Photo courtesy of American Chemical Society)
Image: The new technology could lead to quick, minimally invasive cancer diagnoses (Photo courtesy of American Chemical Society)

For a long time, scientists have understood that RNA (ribonucleic acid) serves as an internal messenger within cells, taking DNA's instructions to help the cells produce proteins. However, a recent discovery shows that specific kinds of RNA, termed "extracellular RNA" or exRNA, actually leave the cell. These exRNAs are enclosed in tiny carrier structures and travel through bodily fluids, acting like tiny informational messages in bottles. These exRNAs are incredibly valuable as they could hold early indicators for diseases like cancer, heart disease, and HIV. Detecting diseases via exRNA could be quicker, more effective, and cheaper than current techniques. The challenge, however, has been separating and interpreting these exRNAs, as existing methods like advanced filters and centrifuges haven't been very successful.

A team of scientists at the University of Notre Dame (Notre Dame, IN, USA) has created a groundbreaking device that uses an ingenious approach to 'eavesdrop' on cells’ conversations. This palm-sized device combines existing technologies and employs a mix of pH levels and electrical charges to segregate the exRNA carriers. The unique feature here is that each type of carrier has its own "isoelectric point," a particular pH level at which it has no positive or negative charge. Within the device, there's a seemingly simple stream of water flowing. But this stream is special. On the left side, the water is highly acidic, similar to grapefruit juice. On the opposite end of the stream, the water is extremely basic, with a pH similar to a bottle of ammonia. What's particularly remarkable about the device is its ability to generate this pH gradient in the stream without adding any chemicals, making it cost-effective and eco-friendly.

This gradient is made possible by a two-sided membrane that's powered by a custom-designed chip. This membrane divides the water into two types of ions: acidic hydronium ions and basic hydroxide ions, adding a different kind of ion to each side of the stream. As these acidic and basic streams converge, they form a pH gradient, much like how hot and cold streams form hot and cold sides with a gradient of temperature through the middle of the stream. The researchers ran the two devices in parallel and utilized machine learning to select the ideal pH range needed for separating the carriers.

What sets this approach apart is its effectiveness of the pH gradient in segregating the exRNA carriers floating in the stream. When they pass through the pH gradient, the different types of carriers form lines along their isoelectric points, making it easy to channel them into separate outlets. The researchers could obtain incredibly pure samples—up to 97%—using less than a milliliter of body fluids like blood plasma, saliva, or urine. Moreover, while the best current technologies take around a day to separate samples, this new device accomplished the task in just 30 minutes.

“Noncommunicable diseases are responsible for more than 70 percent of deaths worldwide, and cardiovascular disease and cancer are responsible for most of that number,” said postdoctoral fellow Himani Sharma who served as project lead. “Our technology shows a path to improving the way clinicians diagnose these diseases, and that could save a tremendous number of lives.”

Related Links:
University of Notre Dame

New
Gold Member
Serological Pipet Controller
PIPETBOY GENIUS
Antipsychotic TDM AssaysSaladax Antipsychotic Assays
New
Flu Test
ID NOW Influenza A & B 2
New
Gold Member
Pneumocystis Jirovecii Detection Kit
Pneumocystis Jirovecii Real Time RT-PCR Kit

Print article

Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: The new saliva-based test for heart failure measures two biomarkers in about 15 minutes (Photo courtesy of Trey Pittman)

POC Saliva Testing Device Predicts Heart Failure in 15 Minutes

Heart failure is a serious condition where the heart muscle is unable to pump sufficient oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. It ranks as a major cause of death globally and is particularly fatal for... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: QScout CBC will give a complete blood count in 2 minutes from fingerstick or venous blood (Photo courtesy of Ad Astra Diagnostics)

Next Gen CBC and Sepsis Diagnostic System Targets Faster, Earlier, Easier Results

Every hour is critical in protecting patients from infections, yet there are currently limited tools to assist in early diagnosis before patients reach a hospital. The complete blood count (CBC) is a common... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: An immune response is initiated when an antigen-presenting cell (pink) presents foreign material to a T-cell (blue) (Photo courtesy of JAX)

Advanced Imaging Method Maps Immune Cell Connections to Predict Cancer Patients Survival

A growing tumor is influenced not only by the tumor cells themselves but also by the surrounding tissue, which alters its biology. Immune cells communicate by transferring vital signaling proteins to their... Read more

Microbiology

view channel
Image: The InfectoSynovia test has the potential to revolutionize the diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

High-Accuracy Bedside Test to Diagnose Periprosthetic Joint Infection in Five Minutes

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) represents a significant global issue that is worsening as the number of joint replacements increases due to aging populations. In the United States alone, the anticipated... Read more

Pathology

view channel
Image: LMU’s Professor Frederick Klauschen developed the novel approach that can improve diagnostic accuracy (Photo courtesy of LMU Munich)

AI Tool Uses Imaging Data to Detect Less Frequent GI Diseases

Artificial intelligence (AI) is already being utilized in various medical fields, demonstrating significant potential in aiding doctors in diagnosing diseases through imaging data. However, training AI... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.