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
Sign In
Advertise with Us
LGC Clinical Diagnostics

Download Mobile App




Lateral Flow Test Detects Bacteria Causing Gingivitis and Cardiovascular Diseases

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 20 Oct 2023
Print article
Image: The new test can warn consumers about periodontal disease which can lead to heart diseases (Photo courtesy of University of Cincinnati)
Image: The new test can warn consumers about periodontal disease which can lead to heart diseases (Photo courtesy of University of Cincinnati)

Gingivitis, the initial stage of gum disease, is caused by bacteria that can make their way into the bloodstream and result in cardiovascular disease as well as other serious health conditions. A newly designed device now provides an early warning system for tooth decay that may result from conditions like gingivitis and periodontitis.

In order to develop the gingivitis test, engineers at the University of Cincinnati (Cincinnati, OH, USA) faced the challenge of creating a device capable of identifying the specific bacteria responsible for gingivitis. The researchers, who have been exploring biosensing for various applications, are focusing on saliva for point-of-care (POC) tests. Saliva is an ideal substance for testing since it's easy to collect and plentiful. However, saliva is also a complex mixture containing elements like proteins, peptides, DNA, and other compounds, each potentially signaling different health conditions, which makes isolating a particular biomarker for analysis difficult.

To resolve this issue, researchers pretreated the sample using potato starch to remove a protein called amylase that could interfere with the test results. Their point-of-care lateral flow assay (LFA) device uses antibodies that react to the endotoxins found in the bacteria. The team will undertake further development to improve assay sensitivity using saliva samples and explore its ability to detect multiple lipopolysaccharides (LPS) molecules related to diseases for more accurate diagnostics of patients' health. Finally, because the sensitivity of the current antibody-based detection is significantly affected by the performance of the conjugate antibody, the researchers will work on developing aptamer-based sandwich lateral flow assay for improved flexibility and performance.

“It’s been quite the challenge to get to the point where we can detect this toxin created by the bacteria responsible for gingivitis,” said Andrew Steckl, an Ohio Eminent Scholar and distinguished research professor in UC’s College of Engineering and Applied Science. “There are good reasons to use saliva. It’s relatively plentiful and easy to obtain through noninvasive methods. And saliva has a lot of important elements that can act as indicators of your health.”

Related Links:
University of Cincinnati 

Platinum Supplier
Xylazine Immunoassay Test
Xylazine ELISA
Gold Supplier
Rheumatoid Factors (RF) Test
Rheumatoid Factors (RF)
POCT Fluorescent Immunoassay Analyzer
FIA Go
New
Automated Staining Unit
RAL Stainer

Print article

Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: A module with eight micro-devices, complete with microfluidic channels and drive motors (Photo courtesy of U.S Department of Energy)

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

Understanding the acidity or alkalinity of substances through pH measurement is crucial in many fields, from environmental monitoring to healthcare product safety. In many cases, these measurements must... Read more

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: The PrismRA blood test helps target best treatments for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (Photo courtesy of Scipher Medicine)

Groundbreaking Rheumatoid Arthritis Blood Test Predicts Treatment Response

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an autoimmune disease affecting joints and other systems in the body, impacts millions globally. Typically, the initial biologic treatment involves anti-inflammatory drugs from... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: The QScout hematology analyzer has received US FDA 510(k) clearance (Photo courtesy of Ad Astra Diagnostics)

First Rapid-Result Hematology Analyzer Reports Measures of Infection and Severity at POC

Sepsis, a critical medical condition that arises as an extreme response to infection, poses a significant health threat. It occurs when an infection triggers a widespread inflammatory response in the body.... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: PointCheck is the world’s first device for non-invasive white cell monitoring (Photo courtesy of Leuko Labs)

World’s First Portable, Non-Invasive WBC Monitoring Device to Eliminate Need for Blood Draw

One of the toughest challenges for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy is experiencing a low count of white blood cells, also known as neutropenia. These cells play a crucial role in warding off infections.... Read more

Pathology

view channel
Image: AI methods used in satellite imaging can help researchers analyze tumor images (Photo courtesy of Karolinska Institutet)

AI Approach Combines Satellite Imaging and Ecology Techniques for Analysis of Tumor Tissue

Advancements in tumor imaging technology have significantly enhanced our ability to observe the minute details of tumors, but this also brings the challenge of interpreting vast amounts of data generated... Read more

Industry

view channel
Image: The acquisition significantly expands Medix Biochemica’s portfolio of IVD raw materials (Photo courtesy of ViroStat)

Medix Biochemica Acquires US-Based ViroStat to Expand Infectious Diseases Antibody Offering

Medix Biochemica (Espoo, Finland), a supplier of critical raw materials to the in vitro diagnostics (IVD) industry, has acquired ViroStat LLC (Portland, ME, USA), a provider of infectious disease antibodies... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2023 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.