Home > Press > Electronic detection of DNA nanoballs enables simple pathogen detection Peer-Reviewed Publication
![]() |
Vicente Pelechano at Karolinska Institutet CREDIT Ryan Hull |
Abstract:
Researchers at Karolinska Institute have developed a novel method using DNA Nanoballs to detect pathogens, aiming to simplify nucleic acid testing and revolutionize pathogen detection. The study's results, published in Science Advances, could pave the way for a straightforward electronic-based test capable of identifying various nucleic acids in diverse scenarios quickly and cheaply.
Principal investigator Vicent Pelechano, an associate professor at Karolinska Institute’s Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, is cautiously optimistic about the technology's potential to detect an array of pathogenic agents in real world settings.
“The methodology involves combining Molecular Biology (DNA Nanoball generation) and electronics (electric impedance-based quantification) to yield a pioneering detection tool”, says Vicent Pelechano.
The researchers modified an isothermal DNA amplification reaction termed LAMP to generate tiny 1-2μM DNA nanoballs if the pathogen was present in the sample. These nanoballs are then directed through minute channels and identified electrically as they traverse between two electrodes. The method has demonstrated remarkable sensitivity detecting as few as 10 target molecules and rapid results under one hour, using a compact, motionless system.
“Fast and accurate detection of genetic material is key for diagnosis, especially so in response to the emergence of novel pathogens”, says Vicent Pelechano.
During the recent COVID-19 pandemic the researchers saw an extensive use of protein-based diagnostics for rapid testing. However, these methods require time-consuming development of high-quality antibodies. In contrast, nucleic acid-based approaches offer greater ease of development, enhanced sensitivity, and inherent flexibility, according to the researchers. This new method, offering label-free detection could hasten the rollout of new diagnostic kits. Integrating affordable mass-produced electronics with lyophilized reagents, the technology possesses the potential to provide a cheap, widely deployed and scalable point-of-care device.
The team commenced this work as an extension of their previous endeavors in LAMP (Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification) based detection of SARS-CoV-2 during the pandemic.
Presently, the research team is actively exploring avenues to integrate this technology into domains such as environmental monitoring, food safety, virus and antimicrobial resistance detection. The team is also exploring avenues for licensing or potentially establishing a startup to capitalize on this technology, having recently applied for a patent for the technology
The main financiers of the study are the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation.
Important collaboration partners are Rutgers University and the Stanford Genome Technology Center.
####
For more information, please click here
Contacts:
Press Office
Karolinska Institutet
Office: +46 8 524 86077
Copyright © Karolinska Institutet
If you have a comment, please Contact us.Issuers of news releases, not 7th Wave, Inc. or Nanotechnology Now, are solely responsible for the accuracy of the content.
Related Links |
Related News Press |
News and information
New organic molecule shatters phosphorescence efficiency records and paves way for rare metal-free applications July 5th, 2024
Single atoms show their true color July 5th, 2024
New method cracked for high-capacity, secure quantum communication July 5th, 2024
Searching for dark matter with the coldest quantum detectors in the world July 5th, 2024
Possible Futures
New method cracked for high-capacity, secure quantum communication July 5th, 2024
Searching for dark matter with the coldest quantum detectors in the world July 5th, 2024
Atomic force microscopy in 3D July 5th, 2024
Nanomedicine
The mechanism of a novel circular RNA circZFR that promotes colorectal cancer progression July 5th, 2024
Diamond glitter: A play of colors with artificial DNA crystals May 17th, 2024
Advances in priming B cell immunity against HIV pave the way to future HIV vaccines, shows quartet of new studies May 17th, 2024
Discoveries
Efficient and stable hybrid perovskite-organic light-emitting diodes with external quantum efficiency exceeding 40 per cent July 5th, 2024
A New Blue: Mysterious origin of the ribbontail ray’s electric blue spots revealed July 5th, 2024
New organic molecule shatters phosphorescence efficiency records and paves way for rare metal-free applications July 5th, 2024
Single atoms show their true color July 5th, 2024
Announcements
New organic molecule shatters phosphorescence efficiency records and paves way for rare metal-free applications July 5th, 2024
Single atoms show their true color July 5th, 2024
New method cracked for high-capacity, secure quantum communication July 5th, 2024
Searching for dark matter with the coldest quantum detectors in the world July 5th, 2024
Interviews/Book Reviews/Essays/Reports/Podcasts/Journals/White papers/Posters
Single atoms show their true color July 5th, 2024
New method cracked for high-capacity, secure quantum communication July 5th, 2024
Searching for dark matter with the coldest quantum detectors in the world July 5th, 2024
Atomic force microscopy in 3D July 5th, 2024
Nanobiotechnology
The mechanism of a novel circular RNA circZFR that promotes colorectal cancer progression July 5th, 2024
A New Blue: Mysterious origin of the ribbontail ray’s electric blue spots revealed July 5th, 2024
Diamond glitter: A play of colors with artificial DNA crystals May 17th, 2024
Advances in priming B cell immunity against HIV pave the way to future HIV vaccines, shows quartet of new studies May 17th, 2024
Research partnerships
Gene therapy relieves back pain, repairs damaged disc in mice: Study suggests nanocarriers loaded with DNA could replace opioids May 17th, 2024
Discovery points path to flash-like memory for storing qubits: Rice find could hasten development of nonvolatile quantum memory April 5th, 2024
Researchers’ approach may protect quantum computers from attacks March 8th, 2024
![]() |
||
![]() |
||
The latest news from around the world, FREE | ||
![]() |
![]() |
||
Premium Products | ||
![]() |
||
Only the news you want to read!
Learn More |
||
![]() |
||
Full-service, expert consulting
Learn More |
||
![]() |