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
LGC Clinical Diagnostics

Download Mobile App




Rapid Detection Technique to Improve Diagnostic Procedure for Bacterial Diseases

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 06 Sep 2023

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a dangerous endotoxin produced by certain bacteria and can trigger harmful immune responses in humans. More...

However, current methods for detecting LPS are slow and complicated. To address this issue, a research team has proposed a system based on a unique fluorescent chemosensor that can detect LPS within minutes, making it ideal for on-site testing in hospitals and pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities.

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for faster pathogen and toxin screening methods. One such toxin is LPS, which is often referred to as "endotoxins." This molecule is found in the outer membrane of certain bacteria and can be highly harmful, causing fever, inflammation, and even organ failure in severe cases. Surprisingly, despite its prevalence, there are very few effective methods to detect LPS. The current gold standard, the limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) test, is a manual and time-consuming process that takes several hours and is costly. Other methods for LPS detection are also slow or cumbersome, leading to delays in decision-making in healthcare and pharmaceutical settings. Researchers at Sophia University (Tokyo, Japan) have pioneered a novel approach to rapidly detect LPS in liquid samples. Their new platform has the potential to revolutionize LPS screening.

At the core of this LPS analysis system is a ratiometric fluorescent chemosensor called Zn-dpa-C2OPy. This compound was designed to selectively bind to LPS and exhibits unique fluorescent properties. When not bound to LPS, it forms small spherical vesicles that emit specific-wavelength light upon exposure to UV rays. However, in the presence of LPS, the chemosensor forms complex aggregates with the toxin in the solution. These chemosensor-LPS aggregates emit light at a different wavelength when exposed to UV rays, with their presence further confirmed using spectrometric measurements. To enable high-throughput LPS detection, the researchers combined the chemosensor with a flow injection analysis (FIA) system and a custom dual-wavelength fluorophotometer. This system allows for the easy mixing of a liquid sample with the chemosensor, and the mixture is then analyzed by the fluorophotometer to measure fluorescence changes in response to LPS. By comparing fluorescence intensities, the LPS concentration in the sample can be estimated. One of the major advantages of this system is its speed, as it only takes one minute from sample collection to obtaining results, with the capacity to process 36 samples per hour, making it exceptionally rapid and efficient.

Additionally, the chemosensor-based analysis system is highly sensitive and stable for quantifying LPS, with a detection limit of 11 pM (picomolar), surpassing other reported methods for LPS detection. The system is also simple and animal-friendly, unlike conventional LPS detection methods that use animal resources and may harm them. This makes it an excellent candidate for practical and efficient point-of-care testing for LPS and bacterial contamination in water, clinical, or pharmaceutical samples. With further advancements in this field, the threat of endotoxins can be minimized, enhancing safety in hospitals and improving diagnostic procedures for bacterial diseases.

“Based on this research, an online-endotoxin monitor will be developed and made available for use in real-life situations,” said Takeshi Hashimoto from Sophia University. “Such a monitor could be installed at pharmaceutical production sites, hospital bedsides, and intensive care units to continuously monitor endotoxin concentration in pharmaceutical products, such as water for injection, or the blood of infected patients.”

Related Links:
Sophia University


Gold Member
Fully Automated Cell Density/Viability Analyzer
BioProfile FAST CDV
3-Part Differential Hematology Analyzer
Swelab Alfa Plus Sampler
New
STI Test
REALQUALITY RQ-SevenSTI
New
Varicella Zoster Virus Assay
LIAISON VZV Assay Panel (IgG HT, IgM)
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

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: Ear wax could be a possible screening medium for Parkinson’s disease (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

Earwax Test Accurately Detects Parkinson’s by Identifying Odor Molecules

Current tests for Parkinson’s disease (PD) rely heavily on clinical scales and neuroimaging, which are often subjective, expensive, and ill-suited for routine screening. Since most treatments only slow... Read more

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: Cord blood proteomics can identify biomarkers of early-onset neonatal sepsis (Photo courtesy of JCI Insight (2025). DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.193826)

Umbilical Cord Blood Test Can Detect Early Sepsis in Preterm Infants

Diagnosing early onset sepsis (EOS) in preterm infants is particularly difficult due to the lack of specific clinical signs, leading to widespread use of antibiotics while awaiting culture results.... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: CitoCBC is the world first cartridge-based CBC to be granted CLIA Waived status by FDA (Photo courtesy of CytoChip)

Disposable Cartridge-Based Test Delivers Rapid and Accurate CBC Results

Complete Blood Count (CBC) is one of the most commonly ordered lab tests, crucial for diagnosing diseases, monitoring therapies, and conducting routine health screenings. However, more than 90% of physician... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: NGS can detect one tumor cell among a million healthy cells from a simple blood sample (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

New Tool Detects Breast Cancer Relapses Five Years in Advance

Relapse detection in patients with solid tumors—particularly hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer—remains a major clinical challenge, as many patients initially respond well to treatment but later... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.