
via University of Twente
New technology lays groundwork for biosensors that improve disease diagnosis and monitoring
For the first time, researchers have used a chip-based sensor with an integrated laser to detect very low levels of a cancer protein biomarker in a urine sample. The new technology is more sensitive than other designs and could lead to non-invasive and inexpensive ways to detect molecules that indicate the presence or progression of a disease.
“Current methods to measure biomarker levels are expensive and sophisticated, requiring biopsies and analysis in specialized laboratories,” said research team leader Sonia M. Garcia-Blanco from the University of Twente in the Netherlands. “The new technology we developed paves the way to faster and ultra-sensitive detection of panels of biomarkers that will permit doctors to make timely decisions that improve personalized diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions including cancer.”
In The Optical Society (OSA) journal Optics Letters, a multi-institutional group of researchers funded by the H2020 European project GLAM (Glass multiplexed biosensor), shows that the new sensor can perform label-free detection of S100A4, a protein associated with human tumor development, at levels that are clinically relevant.
“The biosensor could enable point-of-care devices that simultaneously screen for various diseases,” said Garcia-Blanco. “Its operation is simple and does not require complicated sample treatments or sensor operation, making it an excellent candidate for clinical applications.”
The researchers say that the sensor holds potential for non-biomedical applications, as well. For example, it can also be used to detect different types of gases or liquid mixtures.
Creating a high-sensitivity sensor
The new chip-based sensor detects the presence of specific molecules by illuminating the sample with light from an on-chip microdisk laser. When the light interacts with the biomarker of interest the color, or frequency, of this laser light shifts in a detectable way.
To perform detection in urine samples, the researchers had to figure out how to integrate a laser that could operate in a liquid environment. They turned to the photonic material aluminum oxide, because when doped with ytterbium ions it can be used to fabricate a laser that emits in a wavelength range outside the light absorption band of water while still enabling the precise detection of the biomarkers.
“Although sensors based on monitoring frequency shifts of lasers already exist, they often come in geometries that are not easily integrated on small, disposable photonic chips,” said Garcia-Blanco. “Aluminum oxide can easily be fabricated monolithically on-chip and is compatible with standard electronic fabrication procedures. This means that the sensors can be produced on a large, industrial scale.”
Using a microdisk laser rather than the non-lasing ring resonators used in other similar sensors opens the door to unprecedented sensitivity. The sensitivity comes from the fact that the lasing linewidth is much narrower than the resonances of passive ring resonators. Once other noise sources, such as thermal noise, are eliminated, this method will allow the detection of very small frequency shifts from biomarkers at very low concentrations.
Detecting minute biomarker concentrations
After developing and applying a surface treatment that captures the biomarkers of interest in complex liquids such as urine, the researchers tested the new sensor with synthetic urine containing known biomarker levels. They were able to detect S100A4 at concentrations as low as 300 picomolar.
“Detection in this concentration range shows the potential of the platform for label-free biosensing,” said Garcia-Blanco. “Furthermore, the detection module can be potentially made very simple using the developed technology, bringing it a step closer to the final application outside of the laboratory.”
The researchers are working to incorporate all the relevant optical sources and signal generation components onto the chip to make the device even simpler to operate. They also want to develop various coatings that could allow parallel detection of a large variety of biomarkers.
Learn more: Chip-Based Optical Sensor Detects Cancer Biomarker in Urine
Go deeper with Bing News on:
Disease diagnosis
- Ashton Kutcher Never Wanted to Reveal His Vasculitis Diagnosis
The actor talked about the health scare while filming 'Running Wild With Bear Grylls: The Challenge' in a conversation he hoped would remain private.
- Celiac Disease and CVD Link Bolstered in UK Biobank
Importantly, the autoimmune disease appears to have deleterious effects independent of traditional CV risk factors.
- Study shows Indigenous patients with autoimmune liver disease face worse symptoms and outcomes
First Nations, Métis and Inuit people with primary biliary cholangitis—a debilitating autoimmune liver disease—have more advanced symptoms at diagnosis and worse long-term outcomes than others in ...
- Lysosomal Storage Diseases in Dogs: Symptoms, Causes, & Treatments
Lysosomal storage diseases in dogs are caused by a lack of certain enzymes. Subsequently, the condition often affects the nervous system.
- Global Autoimmune Disease Diagnosis Market to Reach $6.9 Billion by 2030
The global economy is at a critical crossroads with a number of interlocking challenges and crises running in parallel. The uncertainty around how Russia`s war on Ukraine will play out this year and ...
Go deeper with Google Headlines on:
Disease diagnosis
[google_news title=”” keyword=”disease diagnosis” num_posts=”5″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]
Go deeper with Bing News on:
Disease monitoring
- Study shows Indigenous patients with autoimmune liver disease face worse symptoms and outcomes
First Nations, Métis and Inuit people with primary biliary cholangitis—a debilitating autoimmune liver disease—have more advanced symptoms at diagnosis and worse long-term outcomes than others in ...
- Govt initiates project to improve animal disease surveillance system
In order to improve the animal disease surveillance system, the government of Pakistan has initiated a project under Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP). The programme was initiated with the ...
- HeartBeam Inc. - Developing Heart Attack Detection Diagnostic Technology With Remote Monitoring Capabilities
HeartBeam Inc. is a cardiac technology company developing innovative and disruptive solutions within the cardiac disease and health monitoring landscape. The company’s diagnostic product portfolio ...
- New smart contact lens for monitoring and control of intraocular pressure in glaucoma
Glaucoma is a common ocular disease in which the optic nerve malfunctions due to the increased intraocular pressure (IOP) caused by drainage canal blocking in the eye.
- Eye disease is common for those with diabetes. Regular exams can help
The learning curve was steep when Ofelia Alvarez was first diagnosed with diabetes in her 30s. She had watched family members struggling with the condition. “But I really didn’t know exactly what I ...
Go deeper with Google Headlines on:
Disease monitoring
[google_news title=”” keyword=”disease monitoring” num_posts=”5″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]