Tiny biosensor could be used to detect brain injuries
1 min read
Engineers in the US have developed an ultra small biosensor that could alert doctors when serious brain injury occurs during surgery.
Created by a team from John Hopkins University, the prototype device is based on an organic thin film transistor. It works by detecting a protein associated with brain injuries, known as GFAP.
On the surface of the sensor is a layer of antibodies that attract the target protein. When this occurs, it changes the physics of other material layers within the sensor, altering the amount of electrical current that is passing through the device.
These electrical changes can then be monitored in real time by the physician, allowing them to take action if necessary.
As well as its potential low cost, low power consumption and small size, tests have shown the sensor to be extremely sensitive.
"It recognised GFAP even when there were many other protein molecules nearby," said lead researcher Howard Katz. "As far as we've been able to determine, this is the most sensitive protein detector based on organic thin film transistors."
The researchers believe the biosensor could eventually be useful in A&E departments, to quickly detect and treat accident victims suffering from brain injuries.
A patent application has been filed by the John Hopkins team.
