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
PURITAN MEDICAL

Download Mobile App




Highly Sensitive pH Sensor to Aid Detection of Cancers and Vector-Borne Viruses

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 06 Nov 2023

Understanding the acidity or alkalinity of substances through pH measurement is crucial in many fields, from environmental monitoring to healthcare product safety. More...

In many cases, these measurements must be made on very small samples, such as the fluid within a single cell which can be indicative of health conditions like ovarian cancer. Unfortunately, traditional pH measuring techniques are either not sensitive enough or too delicate for small-scale or commercial use. Now, a breakthrough has been made by researchers who have developed a new method that addresses these limitations.

Many current pH testing methods depend on the human eye's interpretation, such as litmus paper tests, which are imprecise and can vary between observers. Furthermore, the chemical dyes in these papers can interfere with the sample itself, skewing results. More precise glass electrodes exist but are so delicate they are impractical outside of lab environments. To tackle these challenges, scientists from Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (Jiangsu, China) have developed a new type of pH sensor using advanced materials and fabrication techniques derived from the semiconductor industry.

The innovative sensor incorporates microfluidic channels, through which the fluid samples flow, and is equipped with three advanced electrodes constructed from light-reactive materials and metals. These microfluidic pH sensors are fine-tuned to identify tiny changes in proton levels — the essence of pH measurement — with exceptional precision. Following the development of this patent-pending technology, the scientists are establishing partnerships with industry stakeholders to include this sensor in future lab instruments. They anticipate that this technology will find widespread commercial use, from cancer detection to diagnosing virus infections and even assessing environmental contamination by pesticides.

“Our solution needed to be environmentally friendly, durable, and sensitive enough to accurately measure pH variation in just a few microlitres of samples,” said Dr. Qiuchen Dong, who led the study.

Related Links:
Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University


New
Gold Member
Serological Pipets
INTEGRA Serological Pipets
3-Part Differential Hematology Analyzer
Swelab Alfa Plus Sampler
New
Anterior Nasal Specimen Collection Swabs
53-1195-TFS, 53-0100-TFS, 53-0101-TFS, 53-4582-TFS
New
Rapid Molecular Testing Device
FlashDetect Flash10
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








DIASOURCE (A Biovendor Company)

Channels

Hematology

view channel
Image: The microfluidic device for passive separation of platelet-rich plasma from whole blood (Photo courtesy of University of the Basque Country)

Portable and Disposable Device Obtains Platelet-Rich Plasma Without Complex Equipment

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) plays a crucial role in regenerative medicine due to its ability to accelerate healing and repair tissue. However, obtaining PRP traditionally requires expensive centrifugation... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: The 3D paper-based analytical device has shown high clinical accuracy for adult-onset immunodeficiency (Photo courtesy of National Taiwan University)

Paper-Based Device Accurately Detects Immune Defects in 10 Minutes

Patients with hidden immune defects are especially vulnerable to severe and persistent infections, often due to autoantibodies that block interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), a key molecule in immune defense.... Read more

Pathology

view channel
Image: Researchers have developed a novel method to analyze tumor growth rates (Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock)

Novel Method To Analyze Tumor Growth Rates Helps Tracks Progression Between Diagnosis and Surgery

Patients diagnosed with breast cancer often worry about how quickly their tumors grow while they wait for surgery, and whether delays in treatment might allow the disease to spread beyond the point of cure.... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.