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Researchers at the Imperial College
of Science, Technology and Medicine, London, United Kingdom, have developed a
test to detect viruses and disease biomarkers. This new test is reported to be
10 times more sensitive than the best available today. Researchers Roberto de
la Rica and Molly Stevens were able to detect an HIV biomarker called p24 in
blood samples as well as low levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA), an
early indicator for prostate cancer. The test can be reconfigured to detect
known biomarkers of other viruses and diseases. De la Rica noted that the test
will enable previously undetectable HIV infections and indicators of cancer to
be picked up.
The biosensor analyzes serum derived
from blood in a disposable, transparent container. The enzyme label of an
enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) controls the growth of gold
nanoparticles and generates colored solutions. If the marker is present, the
reaction generates irregular clumps of nanoparticles that give off a blue color
in the solution. If it is absent, the nanoparticles separate into ball-like
shapes that give off a reddish color. These reactions can be seen with the
naked eye.
De la Rica states that this test
could be significantly cheaper than those presently being used, and may result
in more widespread HIV testing in developing countries. The team plans to
approach not-for-profit global health organizations for assistance to develop and
manufacture the test for distribution, particularly in low-income countries.
The study titled, “Plasmonic ELISA
for the Ultrasensitive Detection of Disease Biomarkers with the Naked Eye,” was
published online in the journal Nature Nanotechnology, 28 October 2012;
DOI:10.1038/nnano.2012.186.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is
dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and
empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV
virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
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