A groundbreaking sensor, inspired by the intricate workings of cells, has been developed by a team from La Trobe University, marking a significant leap towards real-time, personalized healthcare. This innovation addresses a critical challenge in blood testing: the rapid clogging of sensors by blood, which hinders accurate, long-term measurements. By mimicking the protective mechanisms of cell surfaces, the sensor employs a natural coating called lubricin, along with fast-responding DNA-based receptors and an ultra-sensitive light-based detection method known as Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS).
The team's achievement is twofold. Firstly, they demonstrated the ability to detect the antibiotic Vancomycin in unprocessed blood samples using SERS, maintaining sensitivity over an extended period of 10 hours. This sensitivity is a remarkable 100 million times higher than previous methods, making it the first practical, real-time SERS sensor capable of operating within a fluid like blood. Secondly, the sensor's design overcomes long-standing challenges in sensitivity, response speed, and surface fouling, opening up new possibilities for real-time molecular monitoring in personalized medicine.
The sensor's cell-like structure is key to its success. It filters molecules from blood, enabling ultra-sensitive SERS detection. This breakthrough has far-reaching implications, as it allows for the measurement of hormones, toxins, and other biomarkers at low concentrations, which is crucial for early disease detection and monitoring treatment responses. Associate Professor Wren Greene highlights the potential for automatic drug delivery adjustments and early warning systems for dangerous patient conditions.
This research, published in the journal ACS Sensors, was a collaborative effort involving Lubris Biopharma and La Trobe spinout company AlleSense. The sensor was built on AlleSense's NanoMslide, showcasing the technology's potential for mass production and clinical application. La Trobe Distinguished Professor Brian Abbey envisions the development of an inexpensive, mass-produced 'test strip' similar to blood-glucose tests.
The sensor's development was supported by the ARC Research Hub for Molecular Biosensors at Point-of-Use (MOBIUS), and it has been assigned a DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.6c00192. This breakthrough not only advances the field of molecular testing but also holds the promise of transforming healthcare by enabling real-time, personalized monitoring and treatment adjustments.
