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

Download Mobile App




Electronic Biosensor Detects Biomarkers in Whole Blood Samples without Addition of Reagents

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 24 Apr 2023

The absence of robust, reliable, and user-friendly bioanalytical tools for early and timely diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases, particularly sudden cardiac arrest, leads to preventable deaths and imposes a significant economic burden on global healthcare systems. More...

Numerous studies have established connections between various cardiovascular diseases and specific protein biomarkers in the blood. However, current methods for analyzing these protein biomarkers, such as ELISA or western blot assays, involve multistep, reagent-intensive processes and require specialized laboratory equipment, limiting their practical applicability and resulting in delayed treatment, reduced compliance, and worse outcomes. Consequently, there is an urgent need for novel methods that enable direct, reagent-free analysis of molecular analytes to identify cardiovascular abnormalities in their early stages and prevent or mitigate their progression.

A team of researchers at University of Toronto (Ontario, Canada) and Northwestern University (Evanston, IL, USA) has designed an electronic biosensor utilizing DNA aptamers to detect biomarkers in whole blood samples without the need for additional reagents. These DNA aptamers recognize marker proteins as effectively as antibodies, but they are simpler to produce and more versatile. The biosensor successfully identified clinically relevant levels of a cardiovascular disease marker protein without further sample preparation.

The researchers' goal was to create diagnostic tools capable of directly, reliably, and in-field detection of disease biomarkers, eliminating the need to send samples to specialized labs for analysis. The chip-based device developed by the researchers employs chronoamperometric measurements to identify marker proteins in complex samples. Their nanoscale sensor system functions as a molecular "pendulum," measuring the extra load a protein places on the pendulum, which consists of a DNA strand attached to an electrode, without requiring external reagents.

While antibodies are typically used to locate and bind marker proteins in complex mixtures, their complexity makes designing and producing them a challenge. Instead, researchers found that smaller, simpler DNA aptamers can be used as alternatives to antibodies. DNA aptamers are short synthetic fragments with specific shapes and structures, relatively easy and inexpensive to produce, and their structures can be customized. Like antibodies, DNA aptamers can bind marker proteins through molecular and structural interactions but are simpler to design.

The researchers developed an aptamer-based sensor by creating a DNA aptamer specific to B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), a cardiovascular disease biomarker, and connecting it to the DNA pendulum strand tethered to a gold electrode, forming the molecular pendulum sensor. This biosensor effectively detected BNP, even in complex samples such as unprocessed whole blood from cardiac patients. As the sensitivity of the aptamer-based system was found to be comparable to that of antibody-based detection, the researchers recommend further exploration and adoption of DNA aptamers for laboratory-independent diagnostics.

Related Links:
University of Toronto 
Northwestern University 


New
Gold Member
Automated MALDI-TOF MS System
EXS 3000
Portable Electronic Pipette
Mini 96
Rapid Molecular Testing Device
FlashDetect Flash10
Hemodynamic System Monitor
OptoMonitor
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








Channels

Hematology

view channel
Image: New evidence shows viscoelastic testing can improve assessment of blood clotting during postpartum hemorrhage (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

Viscoelastic Testing Could Improve Treatment of Maternal Hemorrhage

Postpartum hemorrhage, severe bleeding after childbirth, remains one of the leading causes of maternal mortality worldwide, yet many of these deaths are preventable. Standard care can be hindered by delays... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: The tool enables scientists to track real-time fluctuations in T cell function with unprecedented speed and precision (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

Luminescent Probe Measures Immune Cell Activity in Real Time

The human immune system plays a vital role in defending against disease, but its activity must be precisely monitored to ensure effective treatment in cancer therapy, autoimmune disorders, and organ transplants.... Read more

Industry

view channel
Image: The collaboration supports clinical validation and regulatory submissions of the new T1D 4-plex assay on Revvity’s GSP instrument (Photo courtesy of Revvity)

Revvity and Sanofi Collaborate on Program to Revolutionize Early Detection of Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a lifelong autoimmune condition in which the immune system destroys the pancreas’s insulin-producing beta cells, leading to dependence on insulin therapy. Early detection is critical... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.