Scientists discover new methods to detect diseases including cystic fibrosis and COVID-19
Scientists at the University of Leeds, England developed a novel and easier technique to detect disease in people, by analysing each molecules (biomarkers) in blood to detect the presence of disease.
Presently the biomarkers are collected in large quantities to create a detectable signal of a disease.
This system has already been utilized to identify a protein associated to cystic fibrosis. Just from a few biomarkers, this system can compile a detectable signal and also can be carried out within a few minutes.
Even though it is now in its early stage, the new process could, theoretically, quicken coronavirus testing as well as provide exact outcomes.
The minimal sample requirement is the significant benefit of this system, said Dr. Mukhil Raveendran, the lead scientist of the project.
He added that to detect specific diseases they could isolate individual molecules from small samples.
The new approach includes utilizing DNA origami – a nanoscale technique that entails folding DNA into particular shapes, which are used to capture biomarkers (indicators of particular diseases).
The captured biomarkers are after that read with nanopores – one at a time, stated Dr. Raveendran.
He further said that they were able to identify disease biomarkers quantitatively with single-molecule sensitivity by coupling nanopores and DNA origami.
To allow the detection of a range of ailments, including coronavirus infection, the team, led by Prof Christoph Wälti, Leeds, is working to adjust the technology.
The scientists are intending to identify the proteins that the coronavirus uses to infect human cells by altering the DNA origami to capture coronavirus biomarkers.
The team has already shown the detection of an inflammation marker known as C-reactive protein in diluted serum, said Dr. Paolo Actis, Co-supervisor of the project.
He included that for diagnosis as well as for disease management, the sensitive detection of biomarkers is essential, and their read-out allows point-of-care detection as it is completely electric so it can be miniaturized.
Scientists discover new methods to detect diseases including cystic fibrosis and COVID-19
Author: Sruthi S
