A team of researchers from La Trobe University has developed a new single-use test strip that could change the way diseases such as cancer are diagnosed. Their findings were published in the journal Small.
The device, which uses enzymes to enhance electrical signals, is designed to detect disease-associated molecules known as microRNAs in blood plasma. Senior researcher Dr. Saimon Moraes Silva explained that while the biosensor operates similarly to glucose test strips, it is much more sensitive and can identify microRNAs at concentrations up to a trillion times lower than glucose.
Lead researcher and PhD candidate Vatsala Pithaih highlighted a significant advance made by the team: "When a sample is added to the test strip, the electrical signal decreases depending on how much microRNA of interest is present," she said. "The enzyme amplifies this change so we can detect microRNAs at concentrations 1000 times lower."
Distinguished Professor Brian Abbey, another senior researcher on the project, noted that this technology may eventually allow non-specialists to conduct disease tests without relying on expensive laboratory facilities. "It is exciting to be one step closer to disease diagnosis and monitoring that is truly point-of-need: affordable, convenient, accessible, and effective," Professor Abbey said.
This research was carried out across several departments at La Trobe University including the ARC Research Hub for Molecular Biosensors at Point-of-Use (MOBIUS), La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science (LIMS), Biomedical and Environmental Sensor Technology (BEST) Research Centre, and the Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry in the School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment.
