Sep 03, 2020 | |
Marrying DNA nanotechnology and bioelectronics to detect illnesses including coronavirus and cystic fibrosis(Nanowerk News) A new and quicker method of diagnosing diseases in patients has been created by researchers at the University of Leeds (Nature Communications, "Rational design of DNA nanostructures for single molecule biosensing"). |
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The team has developed a system of examining individual molecules to detect the presence of disease in blood. | |
The molecules - known as biomarkers - are currently collected in their billions - if not trillions - in order to create a detectable signal of a disease. | |
The new system, which has already been used to detect a protein linked to cystic fibrosis, can compile a detectable signal from just a few biomarkers, and can be done in just a few minutes. | |
Although in its infancy, the new process could, in theory, speed up coronavirus testing and provide accurate results. | |
Marriage of DNA nanotechnology and bioelectronics. (Image: EatFishDesign) | |
Dr Mukhil Raveendran, the lead researcher of the project said: "One of the main advantages is the minimal sample needed. | |
"We are able to isolate individual molecules from small samples to identify specific illnesses. The process is very quick, and takes just minutes to provide results." | |
The new method involves using DNA origami - a nanoscale technique that involves folding DNA into specific shapes. | |
The DNA shapes are then used to capture biomarkers, which are indicators of particular diseases. | |
Dr Raveendran said: "The captured biomarkers are then read with nanopores and we can do this one molecule at a time. | |
"By coupling DNA origami and nanopores we are able to quantitatively detect disease biomarkers with single molecule sensitivity." | |
The group, headed by Professor Christoph Wälti at Leeds' School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, is working to adapt the technology to enable the detection of a range of illnesses, including coronavirus (COVID-19). | |
By modifying the DNA origami to capture COVID-19 molecules, the researchers are aiming to detect the proteins that the coronavirus uses to invade human cells. | |
Dr Paolo Actis, University Academic Fellow and co-supervisor of the project, said: "We have already demonstrated the detection of an inflammation marker called C-reactive protein (important for the management of many diseases including cystic fibrosis) in diluted serum. | |
"Sensitive detection of biomarkers is important for diagnosis and for disease management. Our read-out is entirely electrical so it can be miniaturized, enabling point-of-care detection." |
Source: University of Leeds | |
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