Researchers at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) have created a biosensor that combines multiple advanced technologies to diagnose neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD).
The ImmunoSEIRA Sensor
The ImmunoSEIRA sensor, as it is called, employs biosensing technology, surface-enhanced infrared absorption (SEIRA) spectroscopy, and artificial intelligence (AI) to detect and identify misfolded protein biomarkers associated with NDDs.
According to a study published in Science Advances, this innovative device can differentiate between the two main misfolded protein forms, oligomers, and fibrils, implicated in the development and progression of NDDs. Its ability to distinguish between these forms allows for more precise diagnosis and monitoring of disease progression.
The sensor incorporates gold nanorod arrays with antibodies that target specific proteins, enabling real-time capture and structural analysis of target biomarkers. It can detect specific protein forms even in complex fluids like human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), making it suitable for clinical settings.
Moreover, the incorporation of artificial neural networks enhances the sensor's capabilities by enabling the quantitative prediction of the presence and amount of oligomeric and fibrillar protein aggregates, even when they are mixed together. This feature contributes to accurate disease diagnosis.
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How the Biosensor Works
We learned in a report shared by Phys.org that the ImmunoSEIRA sensor is designed to be used in a microfluidic system, enabling it to analyze samples even in complex mixtures of biological substances. This versatility increases its potential for application in various research and clinical settings.
The technology holds promise for early detection and monitoring of NDDs and assessing treatment options at different stages of disease progression. This advancement addresses the significant challenge of ineffective diagnostic methods for NDDs.
The sensor's ability to monitor multiple biomarkers associated with different neurodegenerative disorders simultaneously makes it a valuable tool for tracking disease progression and evaluating the effectiveness of new therapies.
What This Discovery Holds
This technology significantly advances biosensing, infrared spectroscopy, nanophotonics, and neurodegenerative disease biomarkers.
The following steps for this technology include expanding its capabilities and evaluating its diagnostic potential in Parkinson's disease and other diseases caused by protein misfolding and aggregation.
The deployment of the AI-aided ImmunoSEIRA sensor is a welcomed advance for early detection, disease monitoring, and drug efficacy assessment, addressing the critical need for timely intervention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
In Other News
An Ohio plastic surgeon has been permanently barred from practicing medicine in the state after live streaming surgery on the popular social media site TikTok, allegedly causing injury to her patients.
According to sources, the Ohio Medical Board chose to remove Katharine Grawe's state medical license, effectively barring her from ever practicing medicine in Ohio again.
Grawe, also known as Dr. Roxy in her plastic surgery practice "Roxy Plastic Surgery," had her license suspended in November.
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