Kiel Scientists "Shrunk" Laboratories
February 17, 2016| |
Researchers at Kiel University have developed a chip that can recognize various proteins in a drop of blood. This could make medical diagnoses much quicker and cheaper in the future.
The chip is the size and shape of a microscope slide. Red blood cells are filtered onto it from the blood using a membrane, and the plasma is sent to the sensor via fine capillaries. The scientists have 'stuck' various antibodies onto this surface. If the blood flows through the chip, the proteins that match these antibodies remain behind. LED light is then used to determine the concentration of these proteins.
The chip lab can already measure six of these so-called biomarkers which can indicate certain diseases. Thrombin, one of the first measurable biomarkers, is important for blood clotting. If the concentration of this protein in the blood is too high, a patient is probably more likely to suffer from thromboses.
The chip lab could be ready for the market in about five years, when measuring the amounts of the substances should become even more precise.
For more information, read the article at the Kiel University website.
| |
Biotech Updates is a weekly newsletter of ISAAA, a not-for-profit organization. It is distributed for free to over 22,000 subscribers worldwide to inform them about the key developments in biosciences, especially in biotechnology. Your support will help us in our mission to feed the world with knowledge. You can help by donating as little as $10.
-
See more articles:
-
News from Around the World
- FAO DG: More Must be Done to Ensure Access to Agbiotech of Family Farmers in Developing Countries
- Ancient Flowering Plant Found Poisonous
- GE Rice High in Iron and Zinc Developed
- Farmer Leaders in Uganda Pledge Support for Agri Biotechnology
- Scientists Modify Plant Gene to Trick Bacterial Defense to Attack Virus
- New Study Sheds Light on Plant Evolution
- Expression of Arabidopsis L-type Lectin Receptor Kinase Genes in Tobacco Confers Phytophthora Resistance
- DPB3-1 from Arabidopsis Enhances Heat Stress Tolerance without Growth Retardation in Rice
- Government Commissioned Study Did Not Find Glyphosate in Breast Milk
-
Research Highlights
- Expression of Arabidopsis Bax Inhibitor-1 in Sugarcane Confers Drought Tolerance
- Analysis of Block of cell proliferation 1 (BOP1) Function in Strawberry and Arabidopsis
- Metabolic Engineering for Proanthocyanidin Production by Repressing Isoflavone Pathways
-
Beyond Crop Biotech
- Kiel Scientists "Shrunk" Laboratories
-
Announcements
- 7th International Crop Science Congress
-
Resources
- 'Road Movie' on Plant Resistance to Disease
-
Read the latest: - Biotech Updates (October 2, 2024)
- Gene Editing Supplement (September 26, 2024)
- Gene Drive Supplement (February 22, 2023)
-
Subscribe to BU: - Share
- Tweet