First-of-its-kind sensor monitors fluctuating proteins within the body in real time. In an animal study, device accurately tracked biomarkers of inflammation. Device also could track protein markers for other illnesses, including heart failure.
Northwestern University scientists have designed a new implantable device that can monitor fluctuating levels of proteins within the body in real time.
Kelley is the Neena B. Schwartz Professor of Chemistry and Biomedical Engineering at Northwestern, where she has appointments in the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, McCormick School of Engineering and Feinberg School of Medicine. She also is president of the Chan Zuckerberg Biohub Chicago, one of the four institutes in the Chan Zuckerberg Biohub Network.
The nanoscale sensors look like rows of bulbous pendulums, each comprising a double-stranded cord of DNA. One end of the DNA strand is attached to an electrode, and the other end is attached to another bit of DNA that binds to a desired protein. When the researchers apply an alternating electric field, the pendulum-like sensors swing back and forth -- flinging off proteins within a mere minute and catching others.
The researchers designed sensors to bind to two protein cytokines, which are key markers of inflammation. Then they attached the device into the skin of rats with diabetes. Because diabetes and inflammation are tightly linked, many complications associated with diabetes are caused by inflammation. "If you have heart failure, you might go to the doctor every three months," Kelley said."But, as with most illnesses, symptoms occur between doctor's visits. If a patient isn't feeling well, it's not immediately obvious that it's due to heart failure. With a continuous monitor, when the patient doesn't feel well, the doctor could pull up their data and check their BNP levels. Then, medications could be fine-tuned before symptoms worsen.
Diabetes Diseases And Conditions Skin Care Detectors Biochemistry Wearable Technology Organic Chemistry
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