New Device Developed for Faster and Easier DNA Detection
Doctors can now quickly and easily determine whether a patient has a certain disease with the help of a new device developed by scientists. The device, created by a team of scientists from the University of Massachusetts in amcherst, is claimed to be 100 times more sensitive than existing technologies. This compact, portable, and inexpensive device uses a graphene-based transistor to detect the presence of DNA.
In modern electronic DNA detection methods, the problem lies in the low initial concentrations of target DNA. This often leads to electrostatic and electrochemical signals produced by other molecules in the blood or urine sample overpowering the characteristic signals produced by DNA.
The newly developed sensor overcomes this issue by tying all DNA threads in the sample to a transistor based on graphene. When subjected to a variable electric field, these threads hesitate in place. If the sensor detects a unique oscillation frequency known as the target DNA, it notifies the user about the presence of DNA in the sample.
This breakthrough technology allows for the detection of even very low DNA concentrations and provides results within minutes, while existing methods can take weeks or even months.
Furthermore, the scientists believe that with further development, the technology can have other potential applications. Associate Professor Jinley Ping, the lead scientist, said, “The nanomekhaneelectric approach can also be integrated with other bioengineering technologies such as CRISPR to identify nucleic acid transmission paths, understand disease mechanisms, determine new drug targets, and create personalized treatment strategies, including therapies targeting microrm.”
For more information on this new device, you can refer to the research article here.