Key Takeaways
1. MIT researchers developed a 50-cent electrochemical sensor for detecting specific disease genes, making diagnostics more affordable and accessible.
2. The sensor uses a DNA-coated electrode and a CRISPR-based enzyme called Cas12 to generate a unique electrical signal when it interacts with target genes.
3. A new protective coating of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) allows the sensors to be stored for up to two months at room temperature, overcoming previous limitations.
4. The technology can be adapted to test for various infectious diseases and cancers using samples like urine or saliva, enhancing at-home testing possibilities.
5. A startup is being established to test these durable sensors with patient samples in real-life settings, aiming for widespread use beyond clinics.
A recent advancement at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) may soon enable complex medical diagnostics to be as affordable and convenient as a blood glucose test. A team of researchers has created a 50-cent electrochemical sensor that can identify specific disease genes. Notably, it can be stored for up to two months at room temperature.
How the Technology Works
The technology employs a DNA-coated electrode and utilizes a CRISPR-based enzyme called Cas12. When the sensor comes into contact with a target gene from a virus or cancer cell, the enzyme activates and starts to break down the DNA on the electrode. This process generates a unique electrical signal, showing a positive result. However, a significant challenge has been the vulnerability of the DNA coating, which previously restricted the sensors’ usable life to just a few days.
A Game-Changing Solution
Led by Professor Ariel Furst, the MIT team addressed this issue by applying a straightforward, low-cost coating of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), a common type of polymer. The PVA serves as a protective layer, stabilizing the fragile DNA and enabling the sensors to be stored and shipped without needing refrigeration. After being kept for two months at temperatures as high as 150 °F (65.56 °C), the team confirmed the sensors could still accurately identify a gene linked to prostate cancer.
“Our aim is to provide diagnostics that are not easily accessible, and we hope to create a sensor that can be used right where people are. You wouldn’t even have to visit a clinic; it could be done at home.” — Professor Ariel Furst.
Broad Applications
The flexibility of this platform means it can be modified to test for a variety of infectious diseases, including HIV and HPV, as well as different types of cancer using samples such as urine or saliva. A group from Furst’s lab is currently establishing a startup via MIT’s delta v accelerator to start testing these durable sensors with patient samples in real-life settings.
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