Currently, it takes hours to detect the antibodies that indicate an HIV infection, however, a new DNA nanomachine developed by a team of researchers could help make that process span only a few minutes.

The machine is designed to be able to recognize and bind to pre-determined antibodies, even in something as complex as a blood sample.

Once the machine does find the target antibody and binds to it, a structural change is triggered that causes a small burst of light. This whole process can take place in a matter of only five minutes. Because doctors are aware of the disease sooner, they can treat it sooner. Not only that, but the nanomachine can be altered to be triggered by different antibodies, meaning that it could potentially be used to detect other diseases, too.

"It is rapid, does not require reagent chemicals, and may prove to be useful in a range of different applications such as point-of-care diagnostics and bioimaging," said Vallée-Bélisle, a professor at the University of Montreal, who co-authored the paper.

The team isn't yet finished with the system and is currently working on a way to make the detection process even quicker. For example, the reaction could trigger a notification on a smartphone.

Via: Engadget