Ukrainian compact biosensor opens up new horizons in medicine By Svetlana Sytina The Ukrainian Times The new methods of medical research, which are based on such optical effect as surface plasmon resonance (SPR) in metal films, have appeared of late. The SPR enables direct registration of the surface interactions of biomolecules and cells without use of a radioactive marker or enzyme marker. Undoubtedly, this opens up new horizons in the application of immunologic methods and creation of novel equipment. Scientists of the V. Lashkareov Institute of Semiconductor Physics under the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine conduct experimental research into applied aspects of the creation of biosensors on the basis of SPR. The operating prototype of a device, which has been developed by experts of the Institute, is used as a biosensor for scientific research, laboratory analyses and the diagnosis of diseases. By comparison with traditional methods, the main advantages of this device are the possibilities for getting rapidly information, doing the direct and noncontact examination of biological liquids, analyzing the dynamics of the disease process and the effectiveness of therapy, as well as for dispensing with the necessity of using expensive reagents. In particular, SPR can be used to diagnose the glioma of the brain. Marker methods of the early diagnosis of cancer for this disease have not been discovered yet. Preliminary research done in cooperation with the A. Romodanov Institute of Neurosurgery under the Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine has pointed out the possibility for detecting the glioma at various stages of malignancy with the help of the above prototype of the device. In addition, the research proved viability of the device for determining the effectiveness of therapy of the disease and its relapses if any. The device, which is called Plasmon, can be used to analyze a state of the immune system, genetically determined diseases and the processes of aging. The experts of the Institute have already accumulated positive experience of the use of Plasmon in veterinary medicine, particularly in the diagnosis of leukemia (a saliva test). Also, the device can be employed in pharmacology and the food industry, as well as in controlling potable water pollution and other spheres. Conducting research without such devices as Plasmon is like trying to send people upon the space shuttle with a pencil and paper.
Posted on: Wed, 11 Sep 2013 11:01:14 +0000
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