Biomolecule microsensor

An electrical microsensor capable of detecting and quantifying traces of biological molecules has been developed by scientists in the US. 

Rosemary Smith’s group at University of California, Davis and University of Maine, has developed a sensor to detect biomolecules such as the protein avidin.   

The target molecule aggregates to nanoparticles modified with protein-binding biotin. The key advance is the use of electrical detection - dielectrophoretic impedance - in this system to confirm and quantify the protein’s presence in the aggregate. The sensor can also detect antibodies. 

The real-time sensor, a ’micro total analysis system’, is selective for the target molecule and is also sensitive to trace amounts, down to nano- (10^-9) or even pico- (10^-12) molar concentrations.   

The work exemplifies the growth of research programmes to improve methods to detect, identify and quantify very small amounts of biological materials, including the toxins, viruses and bacteria used as terror and warfare agents.   

Adrian Kybett