University of Central Florida researchers have unveiled a groundbreaking sensor that can rapidly detect dopamine in unprocessed blood samples, potentially transforming diagnostics for neurological conditions and some cancers.
In a breakthrough that could transform medical diagnostics, a research team at the University of Central Florida has developed a revolutionary sensor capable of detecting dopamine directly from unprocessed blood samples. This technological advancement could expedite the diagnosis of neurological disorders and certain types of cancer, improving patient outcomes and providing a valuable tool for health care professionals.
The sensor, created by a team led by Debashis Chanda, integrates a specialized optical setup with a tiny gold pattern, which creates plasmon waves when electrons move. This innovative design eliminates the need for sample preparation, making it particularly useful in areas with limited medical resources.
“This plasmonic biosensor is extremely sensitive to low concentrations of biomolecules, which make them promising platform for specialized assays, point of care applications in remote locations,” Chanda, a professor with a joint appointment in UCF’s NanoScience Technology Center (NSTC), Department of Physics and College of Optics and Photonics (CREOL), said in a news release. “In this work, we demonstrated an all-optical, surface-functionalized plasmonic biosensing platform for the detection of low concentrations of neurotransmitter dopamine directly from diverse biological samples which includes protein solutions, artificial cerebrospinal fluid and unprocessed whole blood.”
Innovative Approach
Unlike traditional biosensors that rely on biological elements such as antibodies or enzymes, the UCF-developed device uses a synthetic DNA strand called an aptamer to detect dopamine precisely. This methodology enhances the sensor’s selectivity and expands its applicability, making it more cost-effective and easy to store.
“There have been numerous demonstrations of plasmonic biosensors, but all of them fall short in detecting the relevant biomarker directly from unprocessed biological fluids such as blood,” lead author Aritra Biswas, a postdoctoral scholar at UCF, said in the news release.
Disruptions in dopamine levels are linked to a range of neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease, as well as neurodevelopmental conditions such as ADHD and psychological disorders like bipolar disorder. Additionally, abnormal dopamine levels can serve as critical indicators for certain types of cancer. The ability to measure dopamine accurately and promptly is vital for advancing pharmaceutical research and medical treatments.
This study, published in the journal Science Advances, emphasizes the potential of plasmonic “aptasensors” for developing rapid and accurate diagnostic tools.
Broader Implications
“This concept can be further explored in the detection of different biomolecules directly from unprocessed blood, such as proteins, viruses, DNA,” added Chanda. “There may be great interest in developing countries where access to analytical laboratories is limited.”
This new sensor builds on previous work by Chanda’s team, which involved developing a dopamine detector using cerium oxide nanoparticles. By replacing these with DNA-based aptamers, the team has enhanced the sensor’s selectivity and broadened its applicability, allowing for the detection of dopamine in diverse biological samples without prior preparation.
This pioneering research marks a significant step towards innovative diagnostic solutions that are accessible, efficient and potentially transformative for global health care.