An Electrochemical Bio-barcode Device for Home Disease Monitoring and Diagnosis
|
By LabMedica International staff writers Posted on 28 Oct 2020 |
|
Image: A recently developed electrochemical bio‐barcode device paired with a smartphone enables cancer patients to read critical biomarker levels at home in samples of self-drawn blood (Photo courtesy of Georgia Kirkos, McMaster University)
A point-of-care (POC) electrochemical bio‐barcode device and assay system have been developed to enable analysis of protein biomarkers in undiluted and unprocessed human plasma samples.
There is a need for biosensing systems that can be operated at the POC for disease screening and diagnostics and health monitoring. In spite of this, simple to operate systems with the required analytical sensitivity and specificity for clinical samples remain a rarity.
To correct this situation investigators at McMaster University (Hamilton, Canada) and Brock University (St. Catharines, Canada) devised an electrochemical bio‐barcode assay (e‐biobarcode assay) that integrated biorecognition with signal transduction using molecular (DNA/protein) machines and signal readout using nanostructured electrodes.
The design of the e‐biobarcode assay eliminated multistep processing and used a single step for analysis following sample collection into the reagent tube. In use, a drop of blood is added to a vial of reactive solution, and a small amount of the mixture is placed onto a strip and inserted into a reader. In minutes, the device determines the concentration of an antigen.
In the current study, the investigators demonstrated the clinically relevant determination of prostate specific antigen (PSA) - the biomarker for prostate cancer - in undiluted and unprocessed human plasma.
"This is another step toward truly personalized medicine," said senior author Dr. Leyla Soleymani, associate professor of engineering physics at McMaster University. "We are getting away from centralized, lab-based equipment for this kind of testing. This would make monitoring much more accessible and cut down on the number of times patients need to leave home to provide blood samples."
"Once commercialized, this device will be a paradigm shift for cancer diagnosis and prognosis," said contributing author Dr. Feng Li, associate professor of chemistry at Brock University. "Since this device is a lot more accessible and user-friendly than conventional technologies, patients will be more willing to use it, which can improve clinical outcomes and save lives."
The e‐biobarcode assay was described in the October 7, 2020, online edition of the journal Angewandte Chemie.
Related Links:
McMaster University
Brock University
There is a need for biosensing systems that can be operated at the POC for disease screening and diagnostics and health monitoring. In spite of this, simple to operate systems with the required analytical sensitivity and specificity for clinical samples remain a rarity.
To correct this situation investigators at McMaster University (Hamilton, Canada) and Brock University (St. Catharines, Canada) devised an electrochemical bio‐barcode assay (e‐biobarcode assay) that integrated biorecognition with signal transduction using molecular (DNA/protein) machines and signal readout using nanostructured electrodes.
The design of the e‐biobarcode assay eliminated multistep processing and used a single step for analysis following sample collection into the reagent tube. In use, a drop of blood is added to a vial of reactive solution, and a small amount of the mixture is placed onto a strip and inserted into a reader. In minutes, the device determines the concentration of an antigen.
In the current study, the investigators demonstrated the clinically relevant determination of prostate specific antigen (PSA) - the biomarker for prostate cancer - in undiluted and unprocessed human plasma.
"This is another step toward truly personalized medicine," said senior author Dr. Leyla Soleymani, associate professor of engineering physics at McMaster University. "We are getting away from centralized, lab-based equipment for this kind of testing. This would make monitoring much more accessible and cut down on the number of times patients need to leave home to provide blood samples."
"Once commercialized, this device will be a paradigm shift for cancer diagnosis and prognosis," said contributing author Dr. Feng Li, associate professor of chemistry at Brock University. "Since this device is a lot more accessible and user-friendly than conventional technologies, patients will be more willing to use it, which can improve clinical outcomes and save lives."
The e‐biobarcode assay was described in the October 7, 2020, online edition of the journal Angewandte Chemie.
Related Links:
McMaster University
Brock University
Gold Member
Collection and Transport System
PurSafe Plus®
Sample Transportation System
Tempus1800 Necto
HBV DNA Test
GENERIC HBV VIRAL LOAD VER 2.0
Latest Technology News
- Robotic Technology Unveiled for Automated Diagnostic Blood Draws
- ADLM Launches First-of-Its-Kind Data Science Program for Laboratory Medicine Professionals
- Aptamer Biosensor Technology to Transform Virus Detection
- AI Models Could Predict Pre-Eclampsia and Anemia Earlier Using Routine Blood Tests
- AI-Generated Sensors Open New Paths for Early Cancer Detection
- Pioneering Blood Test Detects Lung Cancer Using Infrared Imaging
- AI Predicts Colorectal Cancer Survival Using Clinical and Molecular Features
- Diagnostic Chip Monitors Chemotherapy Effectiveness for Brain Cancer
- Machine Learning Models Diagnose ALS Earlier Through Blood Biomarkers
- Artificial Intelligence Model Could Accelerate Rare Disease Diagnosis
Channels
Clinical Chemistry
view channel
New PSA-Based Prognostic Model Improves Prostate Cancer Risk Assessment
Prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death among American men, and about one in eight will be diagnosed in their lifetime. Screening relies on blood levels of prostate-specific antigen... Read more
Extracellular Vesicles Linked to Heart Failure Risk in CKD Patients
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects more than 1 in 7 Americans and is strongly associated with cardiovascular complications, which account for more than half of deaths among people with CKD.... Read more
Hematology
view channel
New Guidelines Aim to Improve AL Amyloidosis Diagnosis
Light chain (AL) amyloidosis is a rare, life-threatening bone marrow disorder in which abnormal amyloid proteins accumulate in organs. Approximately 3,260 people in the United States are diagnosed... Read more
Fast and Easy Test Could Revolutionize Blood Transfusions
Blood transfusions are a cornerstone of modern medicine, yet red blood cells can deteriorate quietly while sitting in cold storage for weeks. Although blood units have a fixed expiration date, cells from... Read more
Automated Hemostasis System Helps Labs of All Sizes Optimize Workflow
High-volume hemostasis sections must sustain rapid turnaround while managing reruns and reflex testing. Manual tube handling and preanalytical checks can strain staff time and increase opportunities for error.... Read more
High-Sensitivity Blood Test Improves Assessment of Clotting Risk in Heart Disease Patients
Blood clotting is essential for preventing bleeding, but even small imbalances can lead to serious conditions such as thrombosis or dangerous hemorrhage. In cardiovascular disease, clinicians often struggle... Read moreImmunology
view channel
Blood Test Identifies Lung Cancer Patients Who Can Benefit from Immunotherapy Drug
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive disease with limited treatment options, and even newly approved immunotherapies do not benefit all patients. While immunotherapy can extend survival for some,... Read more
Whole-Genome Sequencing Approach Identifies Cancer Patients Benefitting From PARP-Inhibitor Treatment
Targeted cancer therapies such as PARP inhibitors can be highly effective, but only for patients whose tumors carry specific DNA repair defects. Identifying these patients accurately remains challenging,... Read more
Ultrasensitive Liquid Biopsy Demonstrates Efficacy in Predicting Immunotherapy Response
Immunotherapy has transformed cancer treatment, but only a small proportion of patients experience lasting benefit, with response rates often remaining between 10% and 20%. Clinicians currently lack reliable... Read more
Microbiology
view channel
Comprehensive Review Identifies Gut Microbiome Signatures Associated With Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease affects approximately 6.7 million people in the United States and nearly 50 million worldwide, yet early cognitive decline remains difficult to characterize. Increasing evidence suggests... Read more
AI-Powered Platform Enables Rapid Detection of Drug-Resistant C. Auris Pathogens
Infections caused by the pathogenic yeast Candida auris pose a significant threat to hospitalized patients, particularly those with weakened immune systems or those who have invasive medical devices.... Read more
Pathology
view channel
Engineered Yeast Cells Enable Rapid Testing of Cancer Immunotherapy
Developing new cancer immunotherapies is a slow, costly, and high-risk process, particularly for CAR T cell treatments that must precisely recognize cancer-specific antigens. Small differences in tumor... Read more
First-Of-Its-Kind Test Identifies Autism Risk at Birth
Autism spectrum disorder is treatable, and extensive research shows that early intervention can significantly improve cognitive, social, and behavioral outcomes. Yet in the United States, the average age... Read more
Technology
view channel
Robotic Technology Unveiled for Automated Diagnostic Blood Draws
Routine diagnostic blood collection is a high‑volume task that can strain staffing and introduce human‑dependent variability, with downstream implications for sample quality and patient experience.... Read more
ADLM Launches First-of-Its-Kind Data Science Program for Laboratory Medicine Professionals
Clinical laboratories generate billions of test results each year, creating a treasure trove of data with the potential to support more personalized testing, improve operational efficiency, and enhance patient care.... Read more
Aptamer Biosensor Technology to Transform Virus Detection
Rapid and reliable virus detection is essential for controlling outbreaks, from seasonal influenza to global pandemics such as COVID-19. Conventional diagnostic methods, including cell culture, antigen... Read more
AI Models Could Predict Pre-Eclampsia and Anemia Earlier Using Routine Blood Tests
Pre-eclampsia and anemia are major contributors to maternal and child mortality worldwide, together accounting for more than half a million deaths each year and leaving millions with long-term health complications.... Read moreIndustry
view channel
New Collaboration Brings Automated Mass Spectrometry to Routine Laboratory Testing
Mass spectrometry is a powerful analytical technique that identifies and quantifies molecules based on their mass and electrical charge. Its high selectivity, sensitivity, and accuracy make it indispensable... Read more
AI-Powered Cervical Cancer Test Set for Major Rollout in Latin America
Noul Co., a Korean company specializing in AI-based blood and cancer diagnostics, announced it will supply its intelligence (AI)-based miLab CER cervical cancer diagnostic solution to Mexico under a multi‑year... Read more
Diasorin and Fisher Scientific Enter into US Distribution Agreement for Molecular POC Platform
Diasorin (Saluggia, Italy) has entered into an exclusive distribution agreement with Fisher Scientific, part of Thermo Fisher Scientific (Waltham, MA, USA), for the LIAISON NES molecular point-of-care... Read more