Finger Scanner for Malaria to Be Developed

An optomagnetic finger scanner is being developed for the diagnosis of malaria.

The noninvasive finger scanner will detect the presence of malarial hemozoin crystals in infected individuals. Hemozoin is the iron-containing pigment, which accumulates as cytoplasmic granules in malaria parasites and is a breakdown product of hemoglobin.

Light-emitting diodes, magnets, and electronic components available to do-it-yourself hobbyists will be used for constructing the instrument. In contrast to the test under development, current diagnosis of malaria is performed using invasive blood tests requiring sizable equipment.

On May 11, 2010, the DNA Medicine Institute (Cambridge, MA, USA) announced that it received a US $100,000 Grand Challenges Explorations grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (Seattle, WA, USA) to develop the optomagnetic finger scanner. The project will be conducted by the DNA Medicine Institute's Eugene Y. Chan, M.D.

"I am pleased to have the opportunity to pursue an idea that pushes the envelope of malaria diagnosis. Malaria is a deadly disease that afflicts up to 500 million people each year. Millions die from it, including many young children in developing countries. My group is developing a tiny device that scans a finger, without any blood [sample], to allow anyone, anytime, and anywhere to check for malaria infection," said Dr. Chan.

Related Links:
DNA Medicine Institute
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation